Trees are like children when you first plant them.
They need caring/loving people to protect them from harm that may come their way in many forms.
Don't think the job is done once a tree is planted.
Young seedlings are trying establish their roots and sometimes the soils can be a bit trying for that seedling to do so.
From the heavy clay, poorly drained soils in the northern part of the county to the well-drained, droughty soils in the southern part of the county, these soils offer different challenges for the young seedlings.
In the clay soils, some people think putting top soil or peat in the hole with the young tree is helping, but this may end up causing the seedling to drown because the clay takes longer to absorb the water, so the hole holds the water.
Remember to put the soil that comes out of the hole back in around the roots and do not plant the tree too deep.
Well-drained soils can dry out causing the tree harm because of lack of moisture.
If after planting the seedling things do dry, give the tree some water weekly if normal rainfall doesn't occur.
Controlling vegetation around the young seedling also helps with the competition for nutrients and water.
Trees also can be established by treating tree problems before they happen.
When you notice a tree problem, it usually is too late to treat it.
Many tree experts agree that fertilizing a shade tree is simple preventive maintenance that will keep the tree healthy and green.
Fertilize the tree any time except mid-July to leaf drop.
Fertilizing in late summer may lead to new growth and frost damage in the fall.
Using a spade or spud bar, make a network of holes under the tree.
Make the holes about a foot deep and a few feet apart.
Spread the holes from the tips of the overhanging branches halfway into the trunk.
Distribute 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 fertilizer evenly among the holes.
The amount to use is based on the tree's diameter at breast height.
Broad-leaf trees, 1 inch to 6 inches, use 1 pound per inch diameter.
Broad-leaf trees 6 inches and greater use 3 pounds per inch diameter.
For evergreen trees, all sizes use 1 pound per inch diameter.
Be sure to water the tree at least an hour to saturate the soil.
Fertilizing a dry tree will draw water out of the roots and burn the tree and the grass.
Shade-tree fertilization won't save every tree, but will make most trees healthy enough to survive insects, diseases and construction damage.
n Robert Kerr is a technician with the Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District.