Congratulations on the purchase of your new Tulip Poplar Tree! Your new tree is great for privacy screens, wind barriers and as a flowering showpiece tree.
You have received a young Tulip Poplar sapling that is under a year old. You may be surprised at what you see, so let us tell you what you have and what to do with them. Our foremost desire is for your satisfaction and success in your new Fast Growing Tree!
A great deal of care has been taken to package your tree. Still, it has been in a dark box for two to three days, likely handled roughly and possibly exposed to extreme temperatures. Your tree may look a little wilted or dry, but this is common and nothing to be concerned about.
The key to the survival of your Tulip Poplar Tree is to keep the roots moist at all times. This does not mean to soak the roots; rather keep close attention to your tree and its surrounding soil. If the soil is dry then it needs watering, and if it is soaked your tree has been over watered.
We recommend that once you receive your tree you unpack it immediately. Unbundle and spread your plants out and sprinkle the leaves and roots with water. Do not soak your Tulip Poplar seedling in water for this will drown your tree and deprive it of much-needed oxygen. Do, however, keep your roots moist, cool, and unfrozen.
If possible, plant it immediately in moist soil. Growers can improve their odds of raising a beautiful tree by properly preparing the site and taking care of the delicate seedlings before and during planting. It is very easy to mishandle your tree while planting.
Planting Instructions
When planting, prevent your roots from drying. In many cases, the damage that occurs to roots happens when the trees are planted. Plant your tree with damp roots and minimize root pruning. The more healthy, active roots a seedling has, the better it will survive and grow. Therefore, dig a large hole to make plenty of room for the roots. It is better to dig a big hole to accommodate all the roots than to cut roots for a smaller hole. The hole should be twice the width and height of your tree’s root system.
Spread out the roots evenly in the hole and surround them with dirt so that there are no air pockets. If pockets of air are present, the roots of your trees will dry out. Plant your tree so that the roots of the tree are covered and the stem is above ground level. Be sure to cover up to one inch of the stem of your tree. When watering the soil will compact and sink. Pack the loose soil firmly around the roots.
Important: If you are experiencing a severe drought, avoid planting your tree. It is suggested that you plant your tree in a light colored pot and place it in the shade, or plant it in a well-shaded area in your lawn.
Seasonal Information - Be sure to plant your Tulip Poplar Tree at least 6 weeks before your first frost. This will give the tree a chance to adjust to its new environment. If you are experiencing extreme heat, place your potted tree in a well-shaded area, such as a garage, or plant it in a well-shaded area in your lawn. Once older, your tree will be able to handle these temperatures. Typically trees do not experience much growth during times of extreme temperatures.
Watering – When young, make sure your Tulip Poplar Tree gets water during extended dry spells, particularly in the summer months. Drooping branches are a sign of both over or under watering, so take great care of your tree.
Fertilizer – Tulip Poplar Trees love fertilizer. Use only the slow-release fertilizer tablets that you have been provided with for the first growing season. Do not use stronger fertilizers until your tree becomes more established. You can use Miracle Grow, a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 fertilizer. Fertilize twice a month when the tree is coming out of dormancy, then once a month during the summer. Stop fertilizing before the tree goes back into dormancy.
Weed Control – Keep weeds and grass two to three feet away from the tree in the first year. The grass will compete with your tree for nutrients in the soil. Pull the weeds initially, and then you can use a growing mat or mulch. Do not spray roundup on a young tree and be careful that wind does not blow chemical drift on the tree.
Deer – If you think deer may be a problem, sprinkle some “Deer Away” on the top of your Tulip Poplar Tree until it grows beyond the reach of the deer.
