Too many home gardeners and even some 'experts' have a strange view of trees -- they think of them as self-contained entities. They think you plant a tree, and that's all you can do for it; it either makes it or it doesn't on it's own merits. Just because a tree can't tell you what it likes doesn't mean there's nothing you can do to make a tree's life better. That's what tree care is all about!
Mulching on a Regular Basis
Getting a good quality garden mulch going and spreading some around the base of the tree every month or so does a lot for a tree. First, it protects the soil around the tree from wind, heat, and other weather factors. Second, as the mulch breaks down, it imparts vital nutrients into the soil for the trees to consume. Finally, it encourages macro-organisms like worms to work the soil in that area, which also helps to feed the trees. Just don't let the mulch touch the tree trunk, or you could cause it to begin to rot!
Applying Fertilizer
Using a good, all-around liquid fertilizer, something like Miracle-Gro, can help ensure that the tree gets all the nutrients it needs to grow healthy and maintain a strong immune system. Once in the spring and once in the fall, pour some quality liquid fertilizer around the base of the tree. Be sure to ask your tree care specialists about any contraindications -- for example, many Australian tree species are vulnerable to phosphorous toxicity, and so shouldn't be fed with fertilizer containing phosphorus.
Loosening the Soil
Obviously, trees need the soil to be fairly strong in order to hold them up, but it happens that over time, especially in orchard conditions, the soil can overcompact, which prevents air and water from getting into the lower levels of the soil. That can be devastating for a tree. We suggest that once a year, just as the Spring rains start, you go through your orchard or other tree-growing area with a pitchfork and lance the ground. Wiggle the pitchfork back and forth just a bit, yank it out, and repeat a few hundred times. Don't do this within 3 ft. of any given tree's trunk, because you don't want to damage the surface roots, but do it liberally across the rest of your orchard.
Schedule a Tree Inspection
Also once a year, you should call your tree care specialists and have them come out and investigate your trees. Trees are prone to catching several diseases, falling victim to many kinds of pests from the microscopic all the way up to being pillaged by deer or other grazers, and often have other unexpected problems as well. By having a skilled inspector some out and give your orchard a thorough once-over, you can head most of these problems off at the pass, and save yourself a pile of money in the long run. We believe that the best time for such an inspection is toward the beginning of summer, when the new growth is starting to 'green out' but before the most serious kinds of damage can get done.
