Spring has come! This is the perfect season to start giving your trees some TLC. Since they have been dormant for several months, expect to encounter debris and moisture buildup. Knowing the various care tips can guarantee that they will survive and flourish in the next few months.
Whether you’re a landscaper or a new homeowner, you can benefit from following these best spring tree care practices.
#1 Disease and Pest Control
Get a head start on pest control as well as preventive disease, by taking steps in early to mid spring. Clear the area of dead plants, twigs, fallen leaves, and other rubbish that have collected around the tree’s base. This can minimize the number of pests and keep you safe from the possible diseases they carry. It also helps prevent new pests and diseases from developing.
Eliminate overwintering pests and fungal diseases by applying fungicides and oil sprays before they can strike back. This can kill their eggs as well and puts a protective blockade against fungal diseases formation. They can grow fast, especially during warm and wet weathers of spring.
#2 Thorough Cleaning
The initial step is to clean the tree and the areas that surround it. To start, remove the remaining holiday ornaments from the branches and trunks. The lights wrapped around the tree’s limbs or body can actually hamper its growth over a period of time. If you want to put up lights the entire year, there are surely safer ways to do it.
Another thing is to ensure that you completely remove unwanted plants surrounding the trees. This is the ideal time to do this in your tree-care preparation. Also, make sure to remove dead leaves and fallen twigs to avoid clogging up the tree’s surroundings. Rake the soil about 3 to 4 feet, outwards from the base of the tree.
#3 Soil Mulching
After cleaning the entire area around your trees, it’s time to put on some mulch. Apply layers that are about 3 or 4 inches thick around the base. This might be a lot to do, but this is a great opportunity to create a solid protective layer for your trees.
Mulching is a highly vital process for the trees since it will allow them to absorb more water, rather than running it off. It is also a great help in terms of preventing weeds from growing, as well as decreasing potential damage from your mower.
#4 Tree Trunk Whitewashing
When exposed to direct sunlight for so long, the tree’s bark is vulnerable to sunburn. During the early spring (after pruning), the tree’s bark is at risk from damage to sun exposure. To prevent this, use a light solution of whitewash to paint the trunk.
This will also protect the tree’s bark from harmful UV sun rays. The recommended whitewash solution contains water and white latex paint of equal parts. You need to apply 2 coats of whitewash, making sure that the first coat is completely dry before adding the second one.
#5 Complete Irrigation
Make sure to give your trees enough irrigation throughout the spring season. This is to prevent them from getting dried out as the weather gets warmer. The irrigation process varies depending on the tree’s age and how established it is. If your trees are entrenched for over a few years, avoid watering them next to the trunk or directly.
Watering your trees further from the trunk will protect them from potential diseases and keep them healthier. If your trees are younger, water them closer to the trunk area, since it’s not entrenched yet. Trees that are under 3 years have roots that are not completely spread out yet. I
It is also ideal to water your trees deeply rather than doing it frequently. Since tree roots are 18 to 24 inches underneath the surface, it is best to soak them completely less often. This guarantees for your trees to retain more water than usual.
#6 Branch Trimming
Spring is an excellent season for pruning all your trees since they have been dormant for the past months. Leaves are fewer so it’s easier for you to trim a tree properly. There are fewer pests and bugs too, and a lower risk of any disease.
To start pruning your trees, make sure you remove all rotten and dead branches. Remove excess stubs from old branches, and chop tree limbs that rub against each other. Trimming trees in spring can be exhausting, so don’t hesitate to ask assistance from tree care experts.
For massive trees that are overly established, it is best to leave them under professional care. They have the appropriate machinery for handling exceptionally large and tall varieties.
#7 Fertilizing Trees and Shrubs
Apart from your trees, adding fertilizer for shrubs in spring is also ideal. Why? Because it is right before every greenery starts to blossom and grow.
Trees are strong, but they aren’t immune to external stressors that can harm them. This is why adding fertilizer is important. It gives trees essential nutrients, growth, and contributes to their overall health condition in every passing season. It also helps plants stay vibrant and fight off possible infection.
Some helpful tips to consider to ensure your trees and shrubs have proper fertilization:
- Make sure to give larger trees around ¼ to ½ pound of nitrogen per inch of trunk diameter. For smaller trees, make use of ¼ pound of nitrogen per diameter. It is easier to determine the amount of fertilizer needed over time, but this is a good starting-point.
- Apply the fertilizer straight on the tree’s drip line. You can also drill holes using a punch into the surrounding area for faster fertilizer absorption.
Tree maintenance is, definitely, a year-round task, but doing the necessary steps to guarantee their growth and health in spring is worth it! Every season brings its own problems, so take care of your trees regularly throughout the year.
When it comes to spring tree service, Dave Lund Tree Service is the name you can trust. We are proudly servicing areas like Thornhill, Markham, Aurora, Richmond Hill, and Ontario for over 36 years. We offer high-quality tree maintenance services performed by ISA certified arborists, and state of the art equipment.
Pest control, stump removal, shrub and hedge care, tree removal, and tree pruning are some of the services we offer. If you need our help, don’t hesitate to contact us. We will be more than glad to assist you. Visit our website for more details, or call us at 1-800-363-0511.