Young trees in turf

Last Friday I was at a strata site to help our short-staffed crew. And during the course of our work I discovered yet another example of a young tree planted in turf.

Young trees planted in turf need help. Specifically, help with turf grass competition and protection from machine injury.

​Step 1
You could install a plastic tree guard around the base of the tree. It's inexpensive and easy to install. Just readjust it as the tree grows.

Step 2
Better still would be the creation of a tree well. The tree well helps channel water and nutrients into the root zone;  and it should, in theory, deflect mowers and line edgers from the tree.

​I say in theory because I have seen workers who run mowers through tree wells. Don't do this, It compacts the soil in the well, crushes beautiful ninety degree edges and increases the chance of collisions.

​When you remove the tree well turf grasses you also give the young tree a chance to find its own resources.

It's rough when you get planted right into turf as a young tree. Protect your investment but helping the tree establish.

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