- After the water has soaked in, add 2 to 4 inches of organic mulch (such as wood chips or bark) in an area 3 feet in diameter around the base of the tree but not touching the trunk.
- During dry weather, water the tree generously every week or 10 days during the first year. Young trees need one inch ofwater each week. Allowing roots to dry out in the winter will slow the tree's growth.
- Branches and leaves help the tree recover from transplant shock and stimulate root development, so newly planted trees should be pruned very lightly, if at all. Remove only rubbing, crossing or damaged branches.
- Keep a 3 foot circle free of grass. For the first few years this circle should be filled with 2 to 4 inches of mulch.
- Stake trees using a flexible stake. Oklahoma winds are strong and they can easily take out a new tree. Stake on the East/West side of the tree as our dominant winds in Stillwater are North/South.
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