How to Properly Take Care of Your Trees As the Seasons Change

Trees are a great addition to any property, adding shade, tranquility and increasing home value. However, like any living organism they need proper care to thrive. From planting to pruning, mulching to fertilization, inspections to invasive pest control, there is a lot that goes into maintaining healthy trees and shrubs. This is especially true as the seasons change.

Young trees require regular watering to grow strong and establish roots, especially in the first three years of life. A good rule of thumb is to deep water the planting site and the root ball once a week with 10 – 15 gallons of water. This helps alleviate stress and encourages deep root growth. It is important to avoid splashing or overhead watering, as this can spread bacterial and fungal diseases that affect trees. An open-ended garden hose or watering bag (like the Treegator) are both good options for avoiding splashing.

The spring is an essential time to water your trees and shrubs. This allows the soil to absorb moisture and nutrients while reducing weeds around the base of the plant. It also promotes new growth and reduces nutrient deficiencies, which can be exacerbated during hot summer months. A mowing routine is another important element of spring tree care, as it prevents grass from growing too close to the base of the plant, which can restrict root growth.

During the summer, trees’ primary concerns are heat and drought. Frequent deep watering is necessary to help your plants survive, especially during times of extreme weather. Mulching can provide additional relief by insulating the soil, reducing temperature fluctuations and encouraging deeper roots. It is also a good opportunity to monitor for invasive pests and diseases that may be more prevalent during warmer weather.

Fall is a great time to fortify your trees by aerating the root zone and treating them with lime or fertilization. This allows nutrient absorption and helps relieve soil compression caused by heavy roots. It is also an ideal time to check for structural weaknesses that could be exacerbated by snow or ice load. Finally, it is a good time to brush off snow from your tree branches after storms, alleviating the weight of the snow and preventing branch breakage.

There are a variety of tree care services available, but the most important thing is to have a professional perform them. A qualified arborist has the specialized knowledge, training and equipment to complete the work safely and properly. This will ensure that your tree stays healthy and aesthetically pleasing for years to come. Some tree services are more specialized, such as installing lightning protection to minimize the chance of damage from lightning strikes or performing emergency tree removals after major storms or for safety reasons. Some are ongoing, such as monitoring for soil health issues and applying insecticides or fungicides as needed to protect against disease and pest infestation. The best approach to tree care is a proactive one, with professionals coming out regularly to inspect and treat the health of your trees before problems become serious.

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