Tree & Shrub Care Guide

Watering: Newly planted trees and shrubs will require you to water them periodically for another 2 to 3 years.  In general, most trees will need to be watered weekly the first years, every two weeks the second year, and every three weeks the third year.   As with at planting, place a hose at the base of the plant and turn the water on at a trickle.  Each tree should be watered in this manner for approximately 1 to 2 hours.  It is essential to water slowly enough to allow the water to penetrate the soil without running off.  Be sure to water your tree or shrub before the first hard frost.  This may help eliminate winter kill on the roots.

Fertilizing: You should fertilize your tree with granular fertilizers such as 10-10-10 at a rate of 1 cup per 2 caliper inches of trunk (diameter of trunk one foot above the ground).   Ensure that the fertilizer has at least 50% slow release Nitrogen.  Spread fertilizer around tree at the drip line or at the outer edge of the root ball.  Fertilize in early April-June.  Water well after fertilizing.  

Mulching: Wood and other organic mulches will decompose over time and it is essential to replenish the mulch ever 1 to 3 years.  Mulch provides insulation for the roots, aides in holding moisture, helps prevent weed germination, and provides nutrition as it decomposes.

Insect, Disease and Pest Control: It is recommended that you monitor your plants for insect and disease pressures.  A few insects or a little powdery mildew will not decimate you tree, however high numbers of certain pest can severely stress and harm your tree.  Once you have determined or had a professional determine if the pest is detrimental, you can have it treated professionally.  Or you may pick up the right product for the right pest from our Garden Center. 

To protect your tree or shrub from mice and moles, put wire mesh around the trunk and into the ground about two inches.  Have the mesh wire go approximately two feet up the tree. Put tree wrap around the base and up to the first branch before winter. Be sure to remove the tree wrap in the spring. 

Insect, Disease and Pest Control for Apple Trees: When buds first show green but before leaves are ½” long, spray with Dormant Oil Volick Spray. This controls mites, scales, and aphids.  When flowers first show pink tips but before blooming, spray with an all purpose spray. Home and Orchid Spray. This controls apple scab.  After petals fall, spray with the same all-purpose fruit spray. 

Pruning: Your Beier’s Greenhouse tree is a nursery cultivated tree and should already have a desired shape at installation.  However, you will always need to be on the lookout for crossing branches that rub on each other.  It is also a good idea to thin out the tree ever 3 to 5 years.  This invigorates new growth and fullness. Be sure not to cut out the “leader” of the tree. Prune shade and apple trees in late March or early April.  Prune evergreens in late June through July.  Remembering the three “D’s”- dead, dying or diseased; these are the branches to look for and prune out anytime.

Pollination for Apple Trees: Apple trees generally are not self-fertile.  Two varieties are needed to be productive. Two varieties should be used in each apple tree planting to serve as a source of pollen for the other variety. Cross-pollination is possible only when varieties bloom approximately at the same time.  Length of bloom is usually 7 to 15 days. Early bloomers should be planted with early to mid-season bloomers and late bloomers should be planted with mid-season to late bloomers.