MENUSpring is a season of rejuvenation and growth, and it's an excellent time to care for your trees. As the temperatures start to rise, and the days get longer, trees come out of dormancy, and new growth begins to appear. Proper tree care in the spring can help your trees grow strong and healthy throughout the year. Here are some tips on how to care for your trees in the spring. February may seem early to think about spring, but with the warm temperatures and frequent rainfall we have experienced in Atlanta, Georgia, now is the time to start making your spring tree plans.
Inspect Your Trees
The first step in caring for your trees in the spring is to inspect them. Check for any damage that may have occurred over the winter months. Look for signs of disease or insect infestation. Check for broken branches, deadwood, or cracks in the bark. If you notice any problems, it's important to take action quickly. Removing deadwood, for example, can prevent it from falling and damaging your property.
Prune Your Trees
While pruning is best performed during the dormant season, it can sometimes be difficult for the untrained eye to see branches that have died over the winter month. The best time to prune your trees is before new growth appears in the spring. This allows you to shape the tree and remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches.
When pruning, use clean, sharp pruning shears or a saw. Cut the branch at a slight angle, just above the branch collar. Don't remove too much of the tree at once, as this can stress the tree and affect its growth. If you're not sure how to prune your trees, consider consulting your arborist on best practices. If you aren’t careful, you can damage the tree, or injure yourself.
Fertilize Your Trees
Fertilizing your trees can help them grow strong and healthy. Fertilizer provides essential nutrients to the soil that trees need to grow. We offer a prescription soil care program that provides the appropriate adjustments to the soil for optimum growing conditions for your trees. Over-fertilizing can be harmful to the tree, so it is essential to understand the soil adjustments that are best for your property.
Mulch Your Trees
Mulching your trees is another important step in caring for them in the spring. Mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree, but be sure not to pile it up against the trunk. This can lead to
disease and insect problems.
Water Your Trees
Proper watering is essential to the health of your trees. In the spring, trees need plenty of water to support new growth. Water your trees deeply, but infrequently. This encourages deep root growth, which is important for the health and stability of the tree. It's best to water your trees in the morning or evening, as this helps to reduce evaporation and ensure the water reaches the roots.
Protect Your Trees from Pests and Disease
Spring is a time when pests and diseases can become a problem for your trees. Insects such as aphids and mites can damage the leaves and branches, while diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot can cause the leaves to fall off. To protect your trees, inspect them regularly for signs of damage or disease. If you notice any problems, take action quickly. Call your arborist to provide the best recommendation on how to address problems as they arise.
Final Thoughts
Spring is a great time to care for your trees. By inspecting your trees, pruning, fertilizing, mulching, watering, and protecting them from pests and disease, you can help ensure that they grow strong and healthy. If you're not sure how to care for your trees, consider hiring a professional tree service to do it for you. A professional can assess the health of your trees, make recommendations for care, and provide the necessary services to keep your trees in top condition.