Acer negundo 'Winter Lightning'

Spring - late · Outdoors

Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser

Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.

This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water until well established

Until well established, plants in the ground should be watered deeply at regular intervals after a dry period. This is likely to be 1 and 2 weeks without rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.

Winter · Planting

Prune to maintain the plant

Pruning is done in winter when the plant is dormant as otherwise it can 'bleed' badly when cut. Keep the plant looking attractive and healthy by removing dead branches, removing branches that cross or rub each other, and those which spoil its appearance.

The plant is encouraged to develop a pleasing shape by removing deviant or dead growth. It is much more likely to remain healthy if branches that rub, or can rub each other are removed since rubbed spots can be places where disease is introduced.

Outdoor planting · Planting

Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole

Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.

Planting

Protect & support young trees

Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.