How to Make Your New Tree Thrive

Big trees are an instant upgrade to your landscape, but it can take 2–3 years for a newly planted tree to fully establish. During that time, your tree is adjusting to its new home and rebuilding the roots it lost during transplanting.

The most important thing to know about your new tree 

When a tree is dug up and replanted, it loses many of its roots. After planting, it prioritizes root recovery, so top growth may slow for a while. This is a normal part of the tree establishment process.

Watering: the #1 way you can help

The most important thing you can do for a newly planted tree is to water it properly.

• Water thoroughly right after planting and again the next day

• Then follow a deep-soak + rest routine

• Soak slowly and deeply, then allow the soil to get nearly dry before watering again

• Always check the soil under the mulch first

• If the soil is still moist, wait before watering again

• During hot or windy weather, trees dry out faster, and rainfall may not be enough

Watch the watering video

Watch our tree watering video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1DCDARJ0BI

What’s normal for a newly planted tree

A new tree may not look fully established right away. Here’s what is normal during the first few years:

Year 1

• Little growth

• Smaller leaves

• A few dead twig tips

• Earlier fall color

Year 2

• More growth

• Canopy starts to fill in

Year 3

• Growth and seasonal timing usually return to near normal

Do / Avoid

Do

• Keep watering consistently

• Remove only deadwood

Avoid

• Heavy pruning for size or shape while the tree is getting established

Stay in touch

Questions and photos are always welcome—email us anytime to get your answers.

A great time to check in is early July.