Rooting Tree Tips
Santosh Jha
| 26-06-2025
· Plant Team
Hey Lykkers! Have you ever planted a young tree and wondered how to help it root faster and grow strong? We’ve all been there—full of hope, watering carefully, and crossing our fingers.
In this article, we’ll walk through simple, practical steps on how to make newly planted saplings root faster, plus when and how to water and fertilize. Let’s green our surroundings the smart way!
Choose the Right Tree for the Right Place
Before we even start digging, we need to pick a tree that fits our local environment. Every tree species prefers different weather and soil types. For example, drought-tolerant or salt-tolerant varieties usually root more easily. So, let's choose trees that are suited to the climate and soil in our area. This one step can make rooting much faster and easier!
Keep the Soil Moist but Not Soaked
New trees love moisture, especially in the first few weeks. But too much water can cause the roots to rot. We should water regularly to keep the soil damp, especially in dry weather. Still, it’s important not to overdo it. A good rule is to feel the soil—if it’s still moist 2–3 inches down, we can wait another day before watering again.
Do a Little Smart Pruning
Cutting a few branches may seem counterproductive, but it actually helps! When we trim the top lightly, the tree can focus on growing strong roots instead of supporting too many leaves. Just be careful not to over-prune. Leave enough leaves for photosynthesis, and always remove any damaged or infected parts.
Use Rooting Stimulants for a Head Start
We can also apply a commercial root stimulant to help our saplings get a head start. These are available in most gardening stores. Before planting, we can dip the root area in the stimulant or gently apply it to the root zone after planting. It helps trigger root growth, especially for more sensitive trees.
Shade It and Keep It Cool
Right after planting, our young tree will benefit from some light shade. Using a shade net or straw mat helps reduce direct sun and keeps moisture from evaporating too quickly. This is especially useful during summer. Just be sure the shade doesn’t block all light—our saplings still need sunlight to grow.
Water at the Right Time and in the Right Way
The best time to water is early morning or late afternoon, when the temperature is cooler. This way, less water evaporates, and the tree can absorb more. For newly planted trees, deep watering is key. We can use drip irrigation or a spray system to deliver water slowly and directly to the root zone, which helps the tree absorb it better without waste.
How Much Water Do We Really Need?
For each watering session, we should ensure the soil is moist down to the bottom of the tree roots. This usually means watering until the soil is wet to about 6 to 12 inches deep. If the soil stays soggy for too long, it's a sign to reduce the amount or frequency. Let’s stay flexible and adjust based on the weather and how quickly the soil dries out.
Feed the Tree Right—At the Right Time
Fertilizing is key to giving our tree the nutrients it needs. After our tree has started to root, we can begin fertilizing in early spring or fall. Spring feeding helps with budding and leaf growth, while fall feeding helps the tree store energy before winter.
Use a Mix of Organic and Chemical Fertilizer
Combining organic compost with a little chemical fertilizer gives the best of both worlds. Organic fertilizers improve soil structure and hold moisture, while chemical ones offer a fast nutrient boost. We should mix the fertilizers well and apply them around the tree base, about 5–10 cm deep and never directly on the trunk or leaves.
Fertilizing Tips We Shouldn’t Miss
Let’s remember a few key points to protect our saplings:
- Don’t put fertilizer directly on the trunk—it can cause burns.
- Don’t spread fertilizer on leaves either—it might damage them.
- Always water the soil after fertilizing to help nutrients absorb properly.
Together, Let’s Make Trees Thrive!
In the end, helping young trees root and grow is all about care, timing, and observation. When we choose the right species, water thoughtfully, prune smartly, and fertilize at the right times, we’re setting our green friends up for success. Lykkers, if you’ve just planted a tree or are planning to, try these tips and let’s grow a greener world together. Have you had any success with tree planting? Share your stories with us—we’d love to hear them!
Root Any Branch With 1 Simple Technique - 100% Success
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