Native plants are adapted to our local rainfall, climate, insects, and soil conditions and are easier to care for because they need less water and pesticides.
During the first three years of growth your plantings will need extra care. Young trees and shrubs are at high risk of drought, competition for light and nutrients, and damage by livestock and wildlife.
The following tips will help keep trees and shrubs healthy:
- Inspect your plants every month during the first year and quarterly during the next two years. Frequent inspections will allow you to take action before further damage occurs.
- Protect against insects and other animals.
- Try healthy, alternatives to pesticides (PDF - 826K) to manage insect pests.
- Wrap aluminum foil around the base of trees and check periodically for mold and water between the bark and foil.
- Use biodegradable plastic tubes or netting to protect against deer and elk.
- Relocate beavers if necessary. Beavers can damage willow cuttings and cottonwood seedlings. Contact wildlife agencies for additional information.
- Fence livestock away from the planting site and provide an alternative water source away from the stream.
- Remove weeds that invade your native plants. Hand weeding is the best way to avoid damage to the stems or trunks.
- Water your plants weekly for the first two years between late-June and early-October, or until fall weather brings heavy rain. Be sure to use enough water to reach the root of each plant.
- Maintain 3-foot diameter sod cut. Grass should be removed once in spring and once in fall during the first three years to reduce grass competition.
- Skip the fertilizer. Native plants do not require any more nutrients than what is generally already provided in the soil.
