Spring Tree Care Tips: Pruning, Mulching and More

Do your trees need a little TLC this spring? While many trees seem self-sufficient, it takes care and time to nurture healthy growth. With a little knowledge and the right tools, you can take great care of your trees and invest in the success of your landscaping for years to come. With each changing season, trees have different care needs. While each type of tree is different, spring tree care generally involves checking for damage, monitoring the soil and pruning as needed. It’s also the best time to spot damage before the spring buds begin to appear. Here’s what you need to know about spring tree care.

Checking for Winter Damage

First, do a quick clean-up of your property. Fruit and small twigs often fall and accumulate over the winter and must be raked up and disposed of. Check your trees for any winter damage, such as broken branches or split bark. If you have holiday lights that you’ve yet to put away, take down any that are wrapped around your trees. Leaving these for too long can result in girdling, a process by which a ring of bark is removed or damaged around the circumference of the trunk. Look for signs of stress such as wilting, yellowing leaves or unusual leaf drops. These could indicate issues with water, nutrients or pests.

Pruning

While the winter season is the ideal time to have your trees pruned and trimmed, spring is the best time to identify any damage or broken branches before the tree begins to bud out. It provides a chance to remove any broken branches – and do last-minute pruning – before spring growth begins. Remove dead or diseased branches and thin out overcrowded areas to improve air circulation.

Mulching

Most tree service experts advise having a three-inch layer of mulch around your trees. Mulch promotes moisture retention of the soil and helps prevent weeds from growing. Be careful not to put the mulch directly against the trunk as this will create a breeding ground for disease. Choose organic mulch materials like wood chips, bark or compost. Organic mulches are ideal because they break down over time, contributing to soil fertility. If the soil is dry, water the area around the tree before applying mulch. This helps retain moisture and promotes a healthier environment for the tree's roots.

Watering

Providing sufficient water is an important part of spring tree care – just don’t water your trees too soon. Instead, wait until after the last frost of the season to start your watering regimen. Check the soil's moisture level regularly. Adjust watering practices based on rainfall and soil type to prevent both overwatering and underwatering. If you have a bubbler, drip or sprinkler system (or all three), now is the time to check them out and ensure they’re working properly. 

Checking for Pests

Spring is a great time to contact an arborist or tree service to inspect your trees for signs of pests and disease. Early detection allows for more effective control. The arborist can identify pests and provide treatment options to get your trees back to health.

Invest in Healthy, Happy Trees this Spring

Taking time for spring tree care can ensure your trees are healthy, happy and ready to grow. If something doesn’t look quite right with your trees, trust your instincts and contact an arborist to take a look. The earlier you identify any issues, the easier they will be to treat. Miller's Tree Service is your local tree expert providing inspection, mitigation, trimming and pruning. We provide a free consultation with a certified arborist to evaluate the overall health of your trees, identify any structural problems and diagnose any pests and/or diseased trees. Contact us today to get started.