Nursing treatments in the first growing season after planting have a very significant impact on the further growth and development of plants. Please note, that most of the plants planted, and above all these, that were planted without a root ball, it had a reduced root system; even after the plant has taken root, it should not be considered regenerated. The regeneration process takes place in younger plants throughout the season, and in older people it may last several years.
One of the treatments, which reduces the loss of water consumed by the plant, is to reduce parts, above-ground by cutting off some shoots and branches. Removal of above-ground parts is generally not used in conifers and evergreen plants, primarily, due to the high value of these plants. Transpiration of these plants can be limited by shading them by using protective canopies or by wrapping them with a thin cloth.. Another way to reduce water loss is to tightly tie the whole plant together, which reduces the overall external surface and restricts air movement within the plant body.
If the plants are planted correctly, that is, in good condition and under favorable conditions, there is generally no need to water them. Long-term lack of rainfall, however, may result in the need for watering, if the soil is not moist enough.
Watering is carried out according to generally accepted rules. One must not wait for external symptoms of water shortage, like a wilting, drying of young leaves, etc.. Maintaining soil moisture is favored by the already mentioned mulching of its surface around the plant. Often the reason for a long-term lack of sufficient water in the soil is the proximity of older woody plants with a shallow root system. For some young shrubs, the lawn is a very big competitor. Planting young plants in such a neighborhood causes a lot of tending problems and very often does not give satisfactory results. Competition does not only concern water abstraction, but also nutrients. Therefore, plants planted in this way usually develop more slowly, are smaller in size, they are more susceptible to disease and pests and almost always have much less decorative value.
An important step in the care of young trees and shrubs is to prevent weed infestation and control weeds. Prevention consists primarily in planting the plants in soil that is free from underground organs of persistent weeds, not using composts with a lot of weed seeds, mulching and the use of prophylactic herbicides. The weeds that appear around the young plant have a much greater ability to uptake water and nutrients. Allowing soil around a plant to become weeded is always a serious threat to its growth and development.