With the Kansas Forest Service tree program coming to a close earlier in the month and several citizens soon to be receiving street trees from the City of Fort Scott, I have decided to base this week's article on newly planted tree care.

Until trees reach three to four years old, transplants need special care when summer weather turns hot, dry and windy.

"It takes years for new trees' root systems to develop the deep roots that help them get through harsh weather," said Ward Upham, Kansas State University Research and Extension horticulturist.

A regular water supply and mulch can help. Newly transplanted trees need at least 10 gallons of water per week. Large or more mature trees benefit from a perforated soaker hose, spiraled around the root zone.

"The secret is to get that water to soak in deeply, so it evaporates more slowly and is available longer to the tree's roots," Upham said. "With young trees, one way to do that is to punch a small hole in the side of a 5-gallon bucket and fill it with water twice. Let the water dribble out next to the tree."

If using a soaker house, it may be helpful to set the kitchen oven timer, so you remember to move the hose or shut off the faucet.

If you are seeing surface runoff, reduce the flow, or build a berm with at least a 4-foot diameter around the base of the tree. This allows the water to percolate down through the soil, instead of spreading out.

Regardless of method used, soil should be wet at least 12 inches deep. Use a metal rod, wooden dowel, fence post or something similar to check depth. Dry soil is much harder to push through than wet.

Perhaps more important than watering, mulch can improve the health and vitality of plants. Mulch acts as a "moisture trap," keeping the soil moist beneath it, and insulates the roots from heat and cold extremes. Mulching also gives a well groomed appearance and protects the tree from lawn mowers and weed eater damage.

It was recommended for many years to wrap tree trunks to protect from sunscald, freeze injury, rodent feeding, and mower damage.

Research now shows that wraps do not always protect from damage; and in some instances, can cause and hide existing problems. Covers also block the photo synthetic tissues which prevent the production of needed food for the young tree.

To prevent damage from rodents, mowers and weed trimmers, plastic guards can be used. These can be easily made by cutting perforated drain tile into twelve inch sections and split down the side. Guards should be monitored regularly and removed before rubbing or girdling occurs.

Staking is also a practice that should be avoided unlessnecessary. Since this is Kansas, there maybe some areas where staking becomes necessary to keep young trees from blowing over and root balls becoming dislodged. If this is the case, keep in mind that the main truck will be stronger if the top is allowed to move freely with the wind.

During planting, it is vital to remove any tags or objects that will cause girdling. Newly planted trees need very little of any pruning. Only remove dead, broken or diseased limbs. Moving trees causes much stress on the roots, and they need leaves to produce food for root regrowth.

Fertilizing newly planted trees is not a recommended practice as our soils contains sufficient levels of nutrients to supply trees the first year. In particular, nitrogen should be avoided as it promotes shoot growth over root growth; re-establishment of the root system is needed before a newly planted tree can support new top growth.

If you would like further information on tree care, please contact the Bourbon County Extension Office.

Editor's Note: Delta George is a K-State Research and Extension agriculture and 4-H extension agent assigned to Bourbon County. She may be reached at (620) 223-3720.