Spring has finally sprung! That means your trees are going to need some TLC. Whether you are a new homeowner that is looking to take care of your trees yourself, or a landscaper looking for a list of what to do, these steps will steer you in the right direction.
Cleaning
To start, remove any remaining holiday decorations from trunks and branches. Lights wrapped around the limbs or body of your tree can restrain and warp the growth of your trees over time. If you are someone who likes to keep lights up year round, there are safe ways to do that as well. It is essential to make sure you weed thoroughly around your trees. It is the easiest time to do that task during your spring tree preparation.
Mulching
Make sure to top each trunk with a layer that is about three or four inches thick all around when laying mulch for your trees. If this seems like a lot, remember that mulch creates a solid protective layer for your trees’ roots. It is a vital process for your trees because mulch allows it to retain more water, instead of letting it run off. It is also a fantastic way of keeping away weeds and mulch will reduce damage from your lawnmower.
Watering
Depending on how established your tree is, how much water you give it will vary. Trees that are established and more than a few years old should not have water poured directly on or next to their trunk. The roots of trees expand much further than that, and watering them in the broader circle around their trunk will keep them healthier and better protected from disease. If you have a younger tree though, you should water it closer to its trunk, as it is not as established yet. The roots of trees that are less than three years old are usually not spread out that much.
Pruning
To prune your trees, start by removing all diseased and dead branches. If there are old limbs with extra stubs, be sure to remove those and cut back branches that rub together. For older trees that are larger, homeowners are better off leaving that to the professionals. They will have the proper equipment for managing extra-large branches and can remove them safely.
Fertilize
Provide larger trees with about a quarter to half a pound of nitrogen per inch of diameter and, for smaller trees, use one-quarter of a pound. It will be easier to tell over time if your trees need more fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer directly on the drip line of your trees and, if you want it to absorb faster, drill holes into the surrounding areas with a probe or punch.
In addition to these tips, Arbor Care Tree Service Inc. can help you maintain your trees professionally. Maintaining your trees is a year-round job, but taking small steps in the early spring will set them up for a great year ahead. With these preventative measures and the help of Arbor Care Tree Service Inc., your trees will be healthy, happy and thriving all season long. Call us today to find out more or for a quote.