Pawpaw trees are a hidden gem of North American orchards—producing tropical-flavored fruit that tastes like a mix of banana, mango, and vanilla custard. While they are hardy once established, their first summer in the ground is a delicate period. Pawpaws have shallow roots when young and need careful attention to beat the heat and avoid transplant stress.

Here are five smart ways to help your newly planted paw paw tree thrive during its first summer.

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1. 💧 Water Consistently and Thoroughly

Pawpaws need steady moisture while young, but they dislike waterlogged soil:

• Water 2–3 times per week in hot, dry weather
• Use a slow trickle to soak the soil 6–8 inches deep
• Let the top inch of soil dry before watering again

💡 When planting, mix in Soil Moist Transplant Crystals to lock in moisture and reduce drought stress between waterings.

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2. 🍂 Mulch for Protection and Moisture Control

Mulching around the base helps pawpaws in more ways than one:

• Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch such as shredded bark, pine needles, or straw
• Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot
• Mulch conserves water, moderates soil temperature, and blocks weeds

🌱 In warm climates, mulch also protects shallow roots from overheating.

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3. ☀️ Shade Young Trees from Harsh Sun

Unlike many fruit trees, pawpaws prefer partial shade when young:

• Use shade cloth or plant near taller companion plants for protection from intense midday rays
• Gradually increase sun exposure over the first couple of years
• Without protection, young leaves can scorch in direct summer sun

🛡️ Think of shade as training wheels for your pawpaw—it won’t need them forever.

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4. 🐛 Monitor for Pests and Leaf Health

Pawpaws are relatively pest-resistant, but it pays to stay alert:

• Check leaves weekly for signs of aphids, caterpillars, or fungal spots
• Remove damaged leaves to improve airflow
• Treat only when needed, using organic methods like neem oil

🔍 Healthy leaves mean a healthy tree, and a healthy tree means better fruit later.

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5. 🚫 Hold Back on Fertilizer Until the Tree Settles In

Too much fertilizer in summer can lead to soft, weak growth:

• Skip high-nitrogen products during hot months
• If fertilizing, do it early in the season and use a balanced formula
• Focus this summer on strong root development over leafy growth

🌿 Roots first, fruit later—that’s the pawpaw motto.

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🛒 Where’s the Best Place to Buy Bare Root Paw Paw Trees?

For healthy, productive trees from day one, shop at Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC:

✅ Best prices on high-quality bare root pawpaw trees
✅ Non-GMO, climate-appropriate varieties
✅ Fast shipping so your trees arrive fresh and ready to plant
✅ Free 1-Year Plantsurance™ Guarantee – store credit if your tree doesn’t survive 🛡️

At Ty Ty, it’s always zero stress, all success.

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🌟 Final Word

Pawpaw trees reward patience with unique, delicious fruit—but only if they get a strong start. By watering consistently, mulching wisely, offering shade, monitoring health, and avoiding overfeeding, you’re setting your tree up for decades of success.

Order your bare root pawpaw trees today from Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC and grow something truly special.