Spring Tree Care Tips

Spring is here and that means it is time to start getting your trees and lawn back into shape. A healthy, well-maintained landscape will not only look amazing, but help keep your property safe.

Clean Up The Lawn

First thing’s first: Clean your lawn of fallen leaves, branches, and other debris. This will make caring for your lawn and trees easier and safer. Removing debris will also prevent the spread of disease from dead and molding leaves. Not to mention that it will make your lawn look a lot better!

Add Mulch Under Trees

Once your lawn is clean, add a new layer of mulch around your trees if needed. Mulch will help prevent water loss, prevent weeds, and improve the conditions of your soil when it breaks down. To determine if you need to lay down a new layer of mulch, rake the old layer around to check the depth and aerate it. A finished layer of mulch 2-4 inches deep is all that’s needed.

Apply mulch in a doughnut shape leaving a hole in the center to reduce contact between mulch and the tree trunk. Don’t apply mulch in a volcano shape. Too much contact with the trunk will create conditions that promote decay. If you’re not sure how much mulch you will need, a mulch calculator can help. For best results, contact your local tree care professional.

Prune Dead & Dying Branches

A lot can happen to your trees in the winter, from broken and dead branches to sunscald. When spring rolls around, it is essential to inspect your tree for dead and dying branches and make an appointment with a tree care professional to have them safely removed. If your tree is dead, you should have it removed. An assessment of a tree’s health and structural stability is a useful spring check-up.

Do not attempt to prune or remove trees yourself! Tree care specialists are professionally trained, insured, and have the right equipment in order to do it safely.

Inspect For Pests & Disease

If unwanted insects and disease become established,  they can harm your trees, and others in the vicinity. Even if you treated your trees for pests and disease in the winter, you should still double check for springtime symptoms like:

  • Thinning foliage
  • Borer holes
  • Abnormal leaf sizes
  • Scorching
  • Discoloration

This is also the time of year to schedule having your ash trees treated for Emerald Ash Borer. A certified tree care professional can help get you the correct diagnosis and treatment.  Experts agree that this pest is so destructive that all untreated ash trees will not survive.

Water Your Trees

Finally, water your trees if the soil becomes dry. This is especially important if you used a de-icing product or salt over the winter and rain hasn’t washed it away. A thorough watering with good drainage can help flush away that excess salt and other chemicals so your trees can absorb water properly.

Use The Right Equipment

Whenever you do lawn work, remember to use the right equipment to protect both yourself and your trees. Wear protective gear like gloves, non-slip shoes, and protective glasses.

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