Establishing Trees and Shrubs
How long does it take for a newly planted tree or shrub to become established?
New Trees
Assuming that a newly planted tree is healthy when planted and is given proper care during the first year of its life; it will normally become established in that first year. After that it should not need additional fertilizer or water.
New Shrubs
Before you buy a new shrub you should always check to see that it is healthy. Make sure that there are no sick or broken branches. Do a visual check for insects and insect damage. Also check the roots. If the store will not let you look at the roots of a shrub, don't buy there.
The next step is to plant the shrub properly. Many people consider the hole to be more important than the plant itself. Don't put a $50 plant in a $10 hole, plant the $10 tree in the $50 hole. Make the hole three times larger than the width of the root ball but only as deep as the root ball. For most plants (roses being an exception) it is a waste of time to add potting soil, compost, or sphagnum moss to the hole. Always put the original soil back in the hole. Most importantly, plants should be planted so that the top of the root ball is at ground level.
Next, water the shrub every day for the first month and every two or three days for the second month.
You will not normally need to fertilize a plant purchased at a nursery when you plant it. Fertilize it two weeks later, and every four (4) months after that. Use a good slow release fertilizer.
The plant should establish itself in about six (6) months
