Come spring, all the trees start coming back to life. You may notice that all the plants and trees start blooming again now that winter is over. For many homeowners, that means helping their trees get back to normal. Trees can use some help getting back in shape after “sleeping” during winter.
In spring, many people use the season as a chance to start anew, usually by spring cleaning. Caring for your trees can be much like cleaning your home. Now is a great time to start preparing your garden for the spring and summer. Getting the most out of your garden can take some effort on your part. Use these tips to help you take better care of your trees as spring comes in. As they say, March comes in like a lion, and it’s never too early to start caring for your trees.
- Give the yard a good clean – Spring is a time for cleaning, and that includes the yard. Use a rake to collect any debris under your trees (e.g. leaves, twigs, and fruit). These leftovers can encourage germ growth that can affect your tree. The warm weather is also a sign to remove any protection. Take off any protective plastic and coverings placed during winter to give the tree space to breathe and grow.
- Check for signs of damage – Trees are susceptible to damage, especially after winter. Look for any signs of damage to keep your tree healthy and avoid potential accidents. Winter weather can cause cold damage (e.g. lesions, cracks, and holes) that can point to structural problems. Keep an eye for these indicators for early warning. Pay attention to any branches that don’t put out blossoms or leaves. These branches are probably dead and in need of pruning. Read up on how to detect winter damage to make your search easier.
- Inspect for pests and diseases – Many insects start coming active again in spring. Check your trees and shrubs for any signs of pest activity. Moving early may prevent infestations before they have time to grow into something serious. Check with an experienced arborist for a year-round protection plan. Use this investment to give your trees protection against infection and infestation throughout the year.
- Give your trees enough water – Spring is growing season for your plants, and that means water. As the snow thaws, water seeps into the soil and reaches the roots. However, your plants will need ample water to grow. Water them thoroughly in the morning to avoid evaporation and to let the tree extract as much water as possible. Check with a shovel that water is reaching deep enough for the roots to absorb. Ideally, it should penetrate around 20 centimetres into the soil.
- Mulch the landscape – Apply some mulch around the garden to help your plants retain moisture. Mulch is also great for preventing weed growth around your tree. This is especially important for young trees, but older trees can benefit from a layer of mulch as well. Remember that mulch has an etiquette for application around a tree. For a proper layer of mulch, cover the soil with a layer of mulch around 7-12 centimetres. Start from the base of the trunk and go in a 30- to 60-centimetre radius around the tree. Laying mulch around the base of the tree can encourage disease, so leave some space between the trunk and mulch to avoid infection.
- Fertilize your plants – Trees need fertilizer to stay healthy, especially during spring when they push out new growth. In urban environments, trees tend to face more stress than in forests. Fertilizer helps make up the difference to give trees the nutrients they need to flourish properly. For spring, use a slow-release fertilizer to provide your tree with nutrients over time. Ideally, aim for when the ground gets workable. Work fertilizing into your annual routine to help keep your trees strong and healthy every spring.
- Prune your dead branches – One of the best times to prune a tree is in winter when the tree is dormant. That said, spring is still a great time to do some pruning. Winter weather can put a strain on branches and make them unstable. Pruning lets you remove any dead or broken branches to encourage new growth.
Some species (e.g. willow and cherry trees) tend to thrive after pruning, making it more beneficial for them. Contact a professional to prune your branches and remove any unstable boughs, preventing possible damage to the tree and your yard. Homeowners who’ve planted shade trees can rest easier knowing their loose branches have been removed.
- Spray to prevent disease – Spring weather can encourage infections to grow. Protective fungicide sprays can eliminate tree fungi that can damage your tree for years to come. Have your trees professionally treated to give them complete protection from disease and infection.
Homeowners who already have trees can make the most of these tips, but they’re far from the only ones. Use these tips if you were considering getting a tree for your garden this spring. Spring is a time for new beginnings, and investing in a tree for the yard is one way to do that. If you do go down that road, you’ll be better equipped with the knowledge to help it grow strong and healthy.
Trees bring plenty of benefits to your yard. They provide privacy and security, stabilize your soil, and add value to your property. All this makes them useful and convenient to have around the house. Spring is generally a great time to start planting because it gives the trees time to set down roots before summer.
When planting in spring, there are some things to remember to give your trees a better chance of survival.
- Protect your trees from wind, drying, and rough handling during transport.
- Eliminate air pockets from the hole by watering and packing after planting. When the hole is three-quarters full, fill it with water to remove the air pockets. After that, deepen the soil before watering again.
- Wait a year before fertilizing to give the tree time to fix itself into the ground.
- When fertilizing, do not add fertilizer directly to the roots.
- Apply mulch to newly-planted trees to help it retain water.
- Give the tree plenty of water during the growing season, especially summer. Use a slow, steady flow of water for a few hours during watering to encourage deep root growth.
- Frequently check your new tree for evidence of disease or pests (e.g. caterpillars and aphids).
These tips can help make your planting seasons all the more fruitful. When done correctly, trees can be a significant investment for your home. Not only do they beautify your property, but they can also improve the value in case you decide to sell.
It does take an effort to keep your trees healthy. Use these tree care tips to help keep your trees during spring. Trees start growing again come spring, and these tips can help you get a head start with caring for them. Whether you’ve had trees for a while or you’re planning on getting one, keep these tips in mind.
When you need tree-related service, give Caledon Treeland a call. We’re equipped to supply and install different kinds of trees for your yard. Are you looking for shade or privacy trees? We’ve got you covered. Call us at (905) 880-1828 or check our contact page to get the trees you want.