Spring is almost here! While you’re busy planning your garden, don’t forget to give your trees some much-needed attention. Winter can be hard on them, so a bit of preparation now will ensure they thrive all season long. Here are the essential steps to prepare your trees for a vibrant spring.
1. Inspect for winter damage
Start with a visual check. Look for broken, split, or drooping branches that might have been stressed by snow or wind. These are safety hazards and entry points for disease. Also, inspect the bark for cracks or animal chewing.
2. Prune with purpose
Spring is a good time for light pruning to remove the winter damage you found. Taking off dead wood allows the tree to focus its energy on new, healthy growth. It’s also a good time to clear away any branches encroaching on your roof or power lines.
Pro Tip: If you are pruning around hydro, it is best to call a professional company to assist. Check out Request a Free Quote for pruning and tree care advice.
3. Tidy up the base
Rake away old leaves and debris that have accumulated around the trunk. This buildup can trap moisture and promote fungal infections or attract pests. Clean soil allows the tree to breathe.
4. Add fresh mulch
Apply a fresh, 2-to-3-inch layer of organic mulch (like wood chips) in a ring around the tree. Mulch helps the soil retain water, suppresses weeds, and insulates the roots. Need wood chips? Request a free delivery from us here: Free Mulch Request!
Pro Tip: Do NOT mound the mulch into a “mulch volcano” against the trunk, as this suffocates the roots and rots the bark. Instead, think of creating a mulch “donut” around the tree.
5. Plan your watering routine
We had a snowy winter! A big snowmelt in spring can leave the soil very saturated, which affects tree roots. Here are a few simple spring tree care tips after heavy snowmelt.
- Avoid Compacted Soil – Compaction reduces oxygen to the roots, so avoid heavy foot traffic around trees when the ground is saturated.
- Check for Standing Water – If water is pooling around the base of a tree for more than a few days, it can lead to root rot. If there is standing water, clear it using natural drainage paths.
- Hold Off on Watering…for now – After a heavy snowmelt, the soil often has plenty of moisture already. Only water if the soil feels dry.
Pro tip: A heavy snow year often leads to excellent spring growth, because a deep snowpack slowly recharges soil moisture.
If we have a dry spring season, your trees will appreciate a good soak once the soil dries up a bit. Deep, infrequent watering (about once a week) is better than frequent light watering, as it encourages roots to grow deep and strong. This is especially vital for trees planted within the last two years.
Your trees deserve a great start
Following these simple steps will help your trees enter the growing season strong, healthy, and beautiful. A little care now pays off in shade and beauty all summer.
Do your trees look like they need a professional hand? Give us a shout! We offer spring pruning, health assessments, and deep-root fertilization to guarantee your landscape flourishes.