Trees are living organisms that require specific conditions to thrive and grow. When a newly planted tree appears stagnant in its growth, it can be concerning for the owner. However, it’s essential to understand that tree growth is a complex process influenced by numerous factors.
If after three full growing seasons, your tree still shows no significant growth, it’s time to dig deeper.
Some common reasons why a tree might not be growing and what can be done about it.
The Natural Growth Cycle of Trees
People who work with plants often say: “The first year it sleeps, the second year it creeps, and the third year it leaps.” Essentially, tree growing requires a bit of patience.
First Year
The tree focuses its energy on establishing its root system rather than visible growth above ground. This period may appear as if the tree is “sleeping” or not growing at all.
Second Year
As the roots become more established, the tree begins to show slow, subtle growth. This is the “creeping” stage.
Third Year
With a well-established root system, the tree can now direct more energy towards visible growth, often resulting in a noticeable “leap” in size.
If you know this natural cycle, you won’t worry too much in the first few years after planting your tree. But if your tree doesn’t grow at all after three whole growing seasons, you should look for possible problems.
Factors Affecting Tree Growth
Species Selection and Site Compatibility
One of the most critical factors in tree growth is choosing the right species for your specific location. Different trees have varying requirements for:
- Sunlight exposure
- Soil type and pH
- Moisture levels
- Temperature ranges
- Wind exposure
If the selected tree species is not well-suited to your local climate or the specific conditions of your planting site, it will struggle to grow or even survive. Research the ideal conditions for your tree species and compare them to your site characteristics.
Tree Quality and Nursery Care
The initial health and quality of the tree play a significant role in its future growth. When purchasing a tree, look for:
- A strong, straight trunk with no signs of damage
- Healthy, well-distributed branches
- Vibrant leaves (if not dormant)
- A robust root system that’s not root-bound or damaged
Poor quality trees or those that have been improperly cared for at the nursery may have stunted growth or fail to thrive even in ideal conditions.
Transportation and Pre-Planting Care
The period between purchasing the tree and planting it is crucial. Mishandling during transportation or neglect before planting can cause stress or damage that impacts future growth.
Ensure that:
- The tree is properly secured during transport to prevent physical damage
- The root ball is kept moist and protected from extreme temperatures
- The tree is planted as soon as possible after purchase
Planting Techniques
Proper planting is essential for tree growth. Common planting errors include:
- Planting too deep or too shallow
- Not providing enough space for root growth
- Failing to remove burlap, wire baskets, or containers properly
- Not loosening the root ball of container-grown trees
- Improper soil preparation or backfilling
These mistakes can lead to poor root establishment, which in turn affects overall tree growth.
Post-Planting Care
Even after proper planting, ongoing care is crucial for tree growth. Key aspects of post-planting care include:
- Watering: Provide consistent, appropriate moisture levels, especially during the first few years
- Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Fertilizing: Use appropriate fertilizers only when necessary, based on soil tests
- Pruning: Remove dead or damaged branches to promote healthy growth
- Protection: Shield the tree from lawn equipment, animals, and extreme weather conditions
Environmental Stressors
External factors can significantly impact tree growth, including:
- Extreme weather events (droughts, floods, severe storms)
- Soil compaction from foot traffic or heavy equipment
- Competition from nearby plants or turf grass
- Pollution or chemical exposure
- Pest infestations or disease
Address these issues and your tree will have a better chance to grow well.
The Tree Species You Chose Could Be Unsuitable for Your Area
Not all trees can grow well everywhere. Some trees like wet soil, while others prefer dry soil. Some trees do well in sunny spots, but others need shade. Certain trees can handle hot weather, and some do better in cold places.
If you plant a tree in a place it doesn’t like, it might grow slowly. For example, if you put a tree that needs lots of water in a dry area, it won’t grow well. Or if you plant a tree that loves the sun in a shady spot, it might not thrive.
Before planting, it’s important to choose a tree that fits your area. This means picking a tree that likes the kind of soil, sunlight, and weather in your yard. If the tree you planted isn’t right for its spot, this could be why it’s not growing fast.
Here are some examples:
Sun vs. Shade:
- A sugar maple prefers partial shade and might struggle in full sun.
- On the other hand, a pine tree loves full sun and may grow slowly in a shady spot.
Soil Type:
- An azalea likes acidic soil. If planted in alkaline soil, it might not grow well.
- A juniper tree does well in dry, sandy soil will have problems in wet clay soil.
Temperature:
- A palm tree thrives in warm climates but would struggle to survive in a cold area.
- A spruce tree does well in cold regions but won’t grow properly in a hot climate.
Moisture:
- A willow tree loves wet soil and grows well near water. It would grow slowly in dry soil.
- A cactus tree prefers dry conditions and might die if planted in wet soil.
Wind Exposure:
An oak tree can handle windy conditions, but a delicate Japanese maple struggles in the same spot.
The Tree’s Health Matters
When you buy a tree, its quality can make a big difference in how well it grows. A tree that isn’t healthy from the start will grow slowly or not at all.
Look at the whole tree, from top to bottom. The crown (top part with branches and leaves) should look healthy. Avoid trees with lots of dead branches or unhealthy leaves. The trunk should be strong and get wider at the bottom, not skinny all the way down. Watch out for damage on the trunk or sticky sap coming out.
For trees with roots wrapped in burlap, make sure the root ball is big enough, not broken, and not dry. If you’re buying a tree in a pot, check that the roots aren’t growing in circles or squeezing the trunk. Also, the top of the roots shouldn’t be buried too deep in the pot.
Picking a healthy tree gives it the best chance to grow well in your yard. If your tree is growing slowly, it might be because it wasn’t in good shape when you planted it.
Be Gentle When Moving Your Tree
Moving a tree from the nursery to your yard can be tricky. If you’re not careful, you might hurt the tree without knowing it. This can slow down its growth later.
For trees with wrapped roots (called balled and burlap), be extra careful. If you bump or bounce these trees, it can break up the soil around the roots. This might dry out the roots or tear the smaller ones. Dry or damaged roots have a hard time helping the tree grow.
Watch out for the trunk too. Don’t let it scrape against anything. If you tie it down in a truck or trailer, make sure it’s not too tight. The bark and the layer just under it are very important for the tree’s health.
If your tree has leaves, protect them from the wind while you’re driving. Wind can dry out the leaves and stress the tree. A stressed tree might grow slowly once you plant it.
Remember, a tree is a living thing. Treat it gently on its way to its new home. This care can help it grow better once it’s planted.
Take Care of Your Tree Before Planting
Your new tree needs attention right away, even before you plant it. Trees from nurseries are used to getting regular care, so it’s important to keep that up.
Be careful where you put your tree while waiting to plant it. Hot surfaces like concrete or asphalt can be harmful, especially on sunny days. These surfaces heat up and can dry out the tree’s roots quickly. If your tree is in a black pot, the sun can make the pot very hot, which might damage the young roots inside.
If you leave your tree in a spot that’s too hot or dry, it might get stressed. This stress can make the tree grow slowly once you finally plant it.
Here are some tips:
- Keep your tree in a shady, cool spot until you’re ready to plant.
- Water it regularly, just like the nursery did.
- If you can’t plant it right away, consider putting it in a temporary spot with some soil around it.
The care you give your tree before planting can help it grow better in its new home. Taking a little extra time now can mean a healthier, faster-growing tree later.
Plant Your Tree the Right Way
How you plant your tree can make a big difference in how well it grows. In fact, planting mistakes are often the main reason trees don’t grow well, even after three years.
One common mistake is planting the tree too deep. Studies have shown that when trees are planted even just 3 inches too low, they don’t grow as well and are more likely to die. On the other hand, trees planted at the right height, or even a bit higher, tend to live longer, grow taller and have thicker trunks after three years.
When planting, pay attention to the tree’s roots. Some trees, especially those grown in pots, might have roots that circle around or wrap tightly around the trunk. If you don’t fix these roots when planting, they can harm the tree’s health and slow its growth for years to come. Tree roots can also pose a threat to your property if not managed properly. As trees grow, their roots spread out in search of water and nutrients.
- Make sure the spot where the trunk meets the roots (called the root flare) is at or slightly above ground level.
- Gently spread out circling roots before planting.
- If you see any roots wrapping around the trunk, carefully prune them.
- Make the planting hole wide, but not too deep.
Care for Your Newly Planted Tree
After you’ve planted your tree, it needs ongoing care to grow well. This care is crucial for the tree to get established and thrive.
One important task is managing the area around your tree. Grass and weeds can steal water and nutrients from your tree’s roots. Keep this area clear, but be careful when using tools like string trimmers. These can accidentally damage the tree’s bark, which can seriously harm or even kill the tree over time. This is why you should hire a professional tree service. Experts have the knowledge and tools to properly maintain the area around your tree without causing damage.
Mulching can be helpful, but it needs to be done correctly. Don’t pile mulch up against the tree trunk like a volcano. This can cause rot and encourage harmful fungal growth. Instead, spread mulch in a thin layer around the tree, leaving space near the trunk.
Watering is another critical factor. Too much water can drown the roots, while too little can dry them out. Find a balance that keeps the soil moist but not soggy.
Healthy roots are key to your tree’s growth and stability.
By giving your newly planted tree the right care, you’re helping it develop a strong root system. This foundation will support your tree’s growth for years to come, allowing it to become a healthy, thriving part of your landscape.
Tree growth is influenced by both genetics and the surrounding environment. While some aspects, like the tree species, are predetermined, many factors can be managed to encourage healthy growth. Select the right tree, ensure proper transportation and planting, maintain diligent care, and you will be setting the stage for a thriving, robust tree.