New Trees Question

[mcnutt01]

We just bought a newly built home. We have Bradford Pears in the front yard. When planted the roots were balled. About how long does it take for those roots to start stretching out and the tree to start showing some growth?

[Runner]

Your soil type, believe it or not is going to have an effect on this....Clay soils tend to inhibit new groth more at first. As long as they were planted properly (right depth, oversized and backfilled hole, peat, etc.), you should see health in the first year (full season). However, it will take into the second season to see any real new growth. Watch your guy wires and check the tension often. Make sure they are a little loose. Also, if you have any ropes or plastic trunk protection on it (banding), make sure that doesn't start any girdling.