When planting new trees.. do I need to put anything around the trunks?
Answers:
If you live in a windy place, like on a hilltop, you might want to stake them at least for the first year until their roots get a firm grip in the soil - otherwise a good storm might tilt them. A bit of fertilizer or miracle-grow always helps, especially for trees that have just been transplanted. The only other thing you might have to worry about is the local animals which might want to munch on your trees, but if they are 8 ft tall already, the animals probably can't do any lasting damage.
Other answers:
Depending upon where you live you may wish to wrap the base of the tree up with plastic or cardboard tree wrap. This will help keep deer from rubbing against your tree to mark their territory. They tore my Bradford Pear to shreds. If you do not have deer in your area you should be good to go.
Depending upon where you live you may wish to wrap the base of the tree up with plastic or cardboard tree wrap. This will help keep deer from rubbing against your tree to mark their territory. They tore my Bradford Pear to shreds. If you do not have deer in your area you should be good to go.
No, if you want to give it extra support add two stakes at right angles and anchor them. Otherwise, Bradford trees are fairly resistant to insects, wheather, etc. Adding extra mulch or what not around th trunk will cause bugs infestations in the trunk, so do not mulch too high. Other wise, just make sure the region you planted your fruit trees have 130-150 frost free days to yeild the said fruits.
. . . . by the way, do not forget that there are folks that are like myself, who forget to not use the weed either too close and kill your tree or cause damage that will draw insect to the damaged trunk.
I have cut the bottom out of the pot it came in or smaller, slit down the side, put down in the soil to retain it where you or critters can damage it at the base. Hitting it with a mower will damage the trunk too. Protection is better than saying, "oh gosh, but I wish I had done that, . . . ".
I would put compost or mulch about 3 ft. out from the trunk all the way around then it won't get damaged from lawnmowing or weedeating. Bradford pears are not particularly strong and limbs get broken quite easily. Try to keep them pruned.
Go to The Arbor Day Foundation web site and they will give you all the info you need.
I would put chicken wire around the base to keep rabbits and deer from nibbling on the trunks. Also make sure to water everyday so that the roots have a really good chance to spread and grab