00642 Verges Booklet - Devon County Council

However tree shelters limit lateral spread within the height of the
shelter deforming the shape of shrubs. This can increase the planting
costs by up to one hundred percent and increase maintenance costs
through the need to weed inside the tube and remove and dispose of
the tube and stake if they do not degrade as quickly as predicted.
(x) The Maintenance of Newly Planted and
Established Trees
Regular inspection and maintenance of newly planted trees are of
prime importance both in the urban and rural situation. The removal
of competing vegetation is important to prevent the death of the tree.
After 5 or 6 years they are normally well established but inspection
and attention is always advisable.
The following routine maintenance is necessary to ensure healthy
growth and prevent the development of safety and environmental
problems.
(a) Newly planted trees should receive regular attention, firming of
soil, checking of tree ties and stakes and removing stakes where
appropriate. Protective fencing or guards may be necessary and
these need to be maintained in an effective and safe condition. In
the initial stages, remove competing vegetation from within 0.5
metres of each tree, mulch the cleared area if possible and water
when necessary and if practical;
(b) There should be formative pruning in the early stages to remove
weak shoots, crossing branches, diseased and decayed branches
and poor forks;
(c) There should be a programme for the regular pruning of all
urban trees particularly those situated close to the carriageway
or to buildings and structures;
(d) Heavy crown reducing (pollarding) should be avoided by routine
pruning;
(e) Action should be taken to remove suckers, to treat bark damage
and to deal with root compaction;
(f) Dead or dying or seriously vandalised newly planted trees should
be replaced.