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Not sure about care for newly planted Leyland Cypress Trees.

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

I planted some 5-6 ft. Leyland Cypress Trees, and need to know how much should I water them? And is there anything else I should or shouldn't do for them?

They're in full sun and well drained clay soil, zone 7A. I want to help them acclimate and do well. I have them as a privacy hedge. Thanks for any suggestions.

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Comments (4)

Js12
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I used Peat Moss when they were planted, mixed with soil and mulched around the bottom of them, put Jobes fertilizer spikes in them as well. Not sure if I should of done the spikes or not. Hope I didn't make a mistake using the spikes.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
8 years ago
A couple of mistakes - no amending the planting hole and no fertilizing at planting. Any amendments should be used as a top dressing or mulch after planting. And there is no need to fertilize at planting plus the root system needs time to establish before it is able to properly assimilate any fertilizer. Wait until the following spring to fertilize if you need to. A soil test is usually a good idea to determine what nutrient deficiencies, if any, are present and how to correct.

If your clay soil is indeed well draining then these 'mistakes' are not exactly critical but something to avoid with any new plantings going forward.

btw, tree spikes are not a very efficient means of delivering nutrients anyway. Plant roots are not concentrated in a specific area but spread out in a roughly circular manner. Because the spikes concentrate their nutrients to a speciifc area, most of it is wasted/leached through the soil while the majority of the roots are missing out.If you have more spikes on hand, pound them into a rough powder before using and then sprinkle them around the drip line.
Js12 thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
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Js12
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you so much. I will remove the spikes from them. I was worried I would do more harm with the spikes.

Should I water them myself? And if so how much?
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
8 years ago
water when they need water.. insert finger and find out.. or use a small hand trowel ...

no one can really tell you .. how to water on the soil in your yard ...

saturate the soil .. and then do not water again.. until it NEAR dries ... depending on mulch and weather.. it could be weeks ... or days ... one thing for sure.. it is NOT a schedule thing ....

perhaps the link will give you some guidance on such

ken

https://sites.google.com/site/tnarboretum/Home/planting-a-tree-or-shrub
Js12 thanked ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5

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