As the cold, harsh winter months begin to fade, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your trees for the end of another harsh winter and the start of spring. Trees in Missouri, as in many other areas with distinct seasons, endure a period of dormancy during the winter. However, as temperatures warm up, they need a little care and attention to ensure they thrive throughout the growing season.  It’s time to do the preparations your trees will appreciate as they emerge from dormancy. With this in mind:

Inspect Your Trees for Winter Damage

Before spring truly arrives, take a walk around your property and inspect your trees for any signs of winter damage. Missouri winters can be particularly tough, with fluctuating temperatures, ice storms, and high winds. Common issues that trees may face during the winter months include:

• Broken or Damaged Branches: Heavy snow or ice may have caused branches to snap. Check for any damaged or hanging branches that could pose a hazard or hinder the tree’s growth.
• Bark Damage: Freezing temperatures can sometimes cause bark to crack or peel, exposing the tree to pests and disease.
• Salt Damage: If your trees are near roads or driveways, salt from de-icing treatments may have caused damage to the roots or trunk.

Remove any dead or damaged branches with clean, sharp pruning shears. If you notice large areas of bark damage, it might be best to consult an arborist for advice on how to treat or protect the tree.

Prune Dead or Damaged Limbs

Spring is an excellent time to prune your trees, but timing is key. Pruning should be done before the tree fully begins its spring growth to avoid stressing it. Dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be pruned as soon as possible to encourage healthy growth. For trees that haven’t been pruned in a while, you may also want to thin out overcrowded limbs to allow for better airflow and sunlight penetration.

For fruit trees, early spring is a perfect time to remove any deadwood and reshape the tree. Pruning in late winter or early spring helps stimulate healthy new growth and ensures that your tree can put its energy into new buds rather than struggling to maintain old or unhealthy branches.

Check and Adjust Mulch Around Your Trees

Mulch is a key component of tree care, especially in Missouri, where the temperature swings between seasons can be quite drastic. In the spring, ensure that the mulch around your tree is fresh and properly applied. Mulch serves several purposes: it retains moisture, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds.

When adding mulch, aim for a three- to four-inch layer around the base of the tree, but be careful not to pile it directly against the trunk. This “volcano” mulching method can trap moisture against the bark and encourage rot. Make sure to leave a few inches of space between the mulch and the trunk to promote healthy air circulation.

If your mulch has broken down over the winter, replace it with fresh material. Organic mulch options, such as wood chips or shredded leaves, are ideal as they continue to enrich the soil as they decompose.

Fertilize Your Trees

As trees come out of dormancy, they require nutrients to fuel their spring growth. Fertilizing your trees can provide them with the necessary nutrients to grow strong and healthy throughout the season. However, it’s important to do so correctly to avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm the tree.

The best time to fertilize is early spring, just before or as the tree begins to show new growth. If you have a soil test, use the recommended type of fertilizer for your specific tree species. For trees without soil tests, a slow-release, balanced fertilizer is a good option. Avoid using too much nitrogen, as it can encourage excessive leaf growth while weakening the tree’s structure. For many homeowners, it’s best to consult with a certified arborist before selecting and applying a fertilizer.

For trees that are stressed or have a history of nutrient deficiencies, consider using a deep-root feeding method where fertilizer is injected into the soil around the tree’s root zone. This ensures that the nutrients are delivered directly to the tree’s roots.

Watering in Spring

Watering is crucial for trees coming out of winter dormancy, particularly during the early spring when rainfall may not be consistent. Missouri can experience varying precipitation levels in early spring, so ensure that your trees are getting enough water to promote healthy growth.

Water deeply and slowly to encourage deep root growth. For newly planted trees, this is especially important, as they may not have developed an extensive root system yet. Be mindful not to overwater, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.

If your area is experiencing drought-like conditions early in spring, you may need to water more frequently. Generally, trees need about one to two inches of water per week, but be sure to adjust based on weather conditions.

Pest and Disease Prevention

Spring is the season when many pests and diseases become more active. To prepare your trees for the challenges of the growing season, consider implementing preventative measures against common tree pests like aphids, scale insects, and caterpillars, as well as fungal diseases such as powdery mildew or blight.

Inspect your trees for signs of pests, including discolored or damaged leaves, sticky residue, or visible insects. For minor infestations, natural treatments like insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective. If you notice a larger problem or a recurring pest issue, it may be best to consult a certified arborist for targeted treatment.

Applying a dormant oil spray before buds break can help control overwintering insect eggs and prevent early-season infestations.

Ensure Proper Support for Young Trees

If you’ve recently planted or transplanted trees, it’s important to check that young trees have the proper support as they begin to grow in the spring. Install tree stakes or guy wires if necessary, but make sure they are not too tight, as they can damage the tree’s trunk and inhibit natural movement. As the tree matures, it should be able to support itself, so it’s important to remove stakes or supports once the tree is established.

We Can Help Get Your Trees Ready for Spring! Call us Today!

Our certified arborists and plant care specialists are ready to help you through the process of preparing your trees and shrubs for spring and summer. They can assess the health of your trees, make recommendations regarding their care, and get your trees and shrubs off to a healthy start for the coming growing season.

Contact us today and let our insured, experienced professionals take care of all your tree-related needs!