Watering

Newly planted trees, and those planted in light, sandy soil usually need additional watering during their growing season - approximately 50-75 litres/sq m (10-15 gallons/sq yd) each week in dry weather. However, once trees have become established (after three or four years) they will normally only need additional watering in periods of drought.

Feeding

Whilst all trees will benefit from the application of fertilizer, this is especially important for newly planted trees or those growing in poor soils. Trees grown for their foliage will need more nitrogen, whereas those grown for their fruit and flowers will require more phosphate and potash.

Artificial fertilizers are usually applied in spring; they can be applied by broadcasting around the base of the tree, or by mixing with compost and placing it into small holes dug 2m (6ft) apart around the drip line (the ground beneath the outer edge of the canopy).

Organic fertilizers such as compost or well-rotted manure can be applied as a mulch in autumn or during any frost-free period in the dormant season. This should be spread 5-8 cm (2-3 in) deep around the tree, keeping the area around the trunk clear. The mulch should extend 3-4 m (10-12 ft) in diameter around large, established trees, and to the drip line for young trees.

Weeding

To ensure that the fibrous feeding roots of your trees do not have to compete for water and nutrients, you should regularly clear the area beneath the canopy of grass and weeds.

Mulching

Applying a mulch can help you with the other maintenance tasks of watering, feeding and keeping the area weed-free. Mulching keeps down weeds, cuts down moisture loss from the soil surface and reduces the effect of temperature extremes around the roots. You can also use a nutrient-rich mulch if the tree needs feeding.

Organic materials such as bark are often used as a mulch as they have the added benefit of providing an attractive surface. Although black plastic may be used, never use clear plastic sheeting as heat is rapidly transferred to the soil and may damage surface roots.

Apply mulches in spring, although they may also be spread at any time of the year (except during drought or frost) provided that the soil is moist. The mulch should be spread over an area about 30-45 cm (12- 18 in) larger than the tree's root system.