Thinking Spring? Spring tree care and maintenance tips.

Thinking Spring? Tree Care & Maintenance Tips

Spring time…the trees are budding, then blossoms appear. Why prune your trees in the Spring?

Spring is a good time to prune out any frost damage to your trees and other plants, which may have occurred from the harsh winter. In spring, you can prepare your yard for summer landscaping by thinning or removing deadwood and/or removing the unwanted parts of your existing landscaping. This will help prevent damage to any new landscaping.

What should I do to make sure my trees are healthy after a rough winter?

Check your trees for damage that may have occurred over the winter.

Check mulch rings to see if additional material needs to be added. If the mulch is less than 2 inches thick, grass growing through it may become troublesome. Enlarge mulch rings whenever possible. Make sure not to get your mulch up around the trunk of the tree or over the roots up close to the trunk. Air needs to be able to get to these roots. Keep mulch off the trunk.

Many insects and diseases are active during the spring months. Check your trees and shrubs regularly for any sign of pest activity.

If our spring weather is dry, be sure to deeply water your trees and shrubs when necessary. Water is critical during leaf and shoot development.

Avoid using herbicides beneath trees that warn against such use on the label. The same herbicides that kill dandelions can hurt trees if they are not applied properly.

Fertilize trees and shrubs as part of your normal annual program.

Remove critical risk trees if they need removed.

Weed beds, cut back perennials and trim fall flowering shrubs as appropriate.