Answer to Question 1The care after planting ensures the proper growth of the newly planted tree. It is critical to
water the tree during the first year of growth, never adding less than 1 inch of water at any
one time, and repeating every week from April through October if there is not sufficient
natural rainfall to provide 1 inch of rain per week. It is important to maintain support for
the first year of planting for staked or guyed trees to give the tree an opportunity to
establish its root system for support. To avoid girding the tree, remove the stakes or guying
after the first year.
Answer to Question 2Pros of staking a tree are that doing so prevents the wind from swaying it and loosening the
roots, and helps to keep the tree standing straight. Cons of staking are that the practice
causes weak trunks on young trees, if not removed within a year.