YOUR NEWLY PLANTED TREE
Your new tree is an investment in your home and your community. The Georgia Arborist Association planted this tree to replace the tree removed through the Tree Removal Assistance Program. Now it needs a little help from you to get established.
The first three years are the most important. A small amount of care now can help your tree live for decades.
WHY TREES MATTER
Urban trees make homes more valuable. Urban trees can increase home values by as much as 15 percent.
Urban trees can lower indoor air temperatures in summer. This translates into as much as a 30 percent savings on air conditioning bills.
Trees and green spaces make neighborhoods more inviting, safe, and connected. They encourage people to use outdoor spaces, strengthen a sense of community, and are associated with less vandalism, graffiti, and littering.
Research has shown that trees can even improve your personal health. Simply spending time around trees and nature—or even viewing them—can help reduce stress, improve mood, and support mental well-being. Access to green spaces also encourages people to spend more time outdoors, walk, exercise, and connect with others.
It’s important to care for your new tree so it can grow and continue providing the many benefits your previous tree offered for years to come.
CARING FOR YOUR NEW TREE
1. Water Your Tree
Proper watering is the single most important thing you can do to ensure a long life for your tree.
Water daily for the first week;
every 3-4 days for 3 months;
weekly until established.
Fill your bucket
Give your tree about one full bucket (5 gallons) of water at a time.Water slowly
Pour the water slowly around the base of the tree so it can soak into the soil instead of running off.Check it regularly
Check the soil every few days, especially during hot or dry weather. If the soil feels dry a few inches below the surface, it’s time to water.
2. Mulch It Right
Keep 2–3 inches of mulch around your tree, but keep mulch away from the trunk.
✓ Wide, shallow mulch ring
✕ Mulch piled against the trunk
3. Protect Your Tree
Keep lawn mowers, string trimmers and other equipment away from the trunk.
Damage to the bark can permanently injure a young tree.
Do not fertilize or prune your new tree unless recommended by an arborist.
What Should My Tree Look Like?
Newly planted trees may experience some transplant stress and won't immediately look like established trees.
If you notice significant leaf loss during the growing season, broken branches, loose or leaning trees, damaged bark, or prolonged wilting despite proper watering, you may need to call an arborist to check it out.
Need Help?
Not sure if your tree is doing okay? We want your tree to succeed.
Thank you to our planting partner, Urban Ecologic.
Founder and Owner, Kevin Mink, launched Urban EcoLogic in 2025 to bring long-term tree and plant health protection services and ecosystem site planning to Atlanta and throughout Georgia. With a Bachelor’s in Ecology and a Master’s in Landscape Architecture, Kevin has spent the past 10 years developing skills as an ISA-certified Arborist, environmental consultant, and landscape designer. His passion for plants, people, and reciprocation with our ecosystems led to the creation of Urban EcoLogic