www.arboristsnearme.com - Arborists Near Me
Posted 04/25/2022 in Homeowners & Tree Owners

5 Simple Ways to Take Care of Trees in Springtime

5 Simple Ways to Take Care of Trees in Springtime

There are numerous ways to take care of trees, whether they’re inside your home or outside in your yard or garden. Here are five simple ways to take care of trees in springtime and keep them healthy through the summer months.

Get Quotes from Tree and Plant Care Experts Today


Mulch

If you’re planning on planting a new tree, spring is a great time to get started. Once your trees are planted, a good way to protect them from extreme temperatures is by mulching their roots. Mulch helps prevent soil from drying out and keeps tree roots cool during hot months. This layer also prevents invasive weeds that can steal water and nutrients away from your young trees. 

Also, mulch helps reduce storm runoff into surrounding waterways by absorbing excess rainwater. Soil erosion is one of our biggest environmental problems—mulching your tree’s root zone during springtime will help keep that problem under control while also protecting your young trees as they grow up strong!


Reduce Sunlight Exposure

In early spring, over-exposure to sunlight can cause trees to burst into bloom too soon, which can result in stunted growth and damaged branches. To keep your trees healthy and happy, reduce sunlight exposure by keeping them shaded or avoiding outdoor activities during peak sunlight hours. Keep an eye on your local forecast for an idea of when peak daylight hours are; tree damage is most common between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., according to Arbor Day Foundation estimates. 

If you have no choice but to be outside, cover yourself with protective clothing including hats, long pants, and sleeves. Sunscreen will help prevent sunburn as well as protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Tips on Keeping Your Dog Safe during Hot Weather: Like humans, dogs experience symptoms of overheating due to hot weather—heat exhaustion typically sets in after 20 minutes of vigorous activity outdoors when temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Ohio State University's College of Veterinary Medicine (OSU). 

If you notice symptoms such as heavy panting and lethargy after hot weather activity with your dog—or if he shows these signs at any time—you should call him inside immediately for some shade and water until he cools down enough that you can resume playing together.


Fertilize Them

If you have trees on your property, fertilizing them is a good idea throughout spring and summer. A good rule of thumb is to fertilize trees that are more than five years old. All other trees should be fertilized twice per year—once in spring, once in late summer, or early fall. 

Be sure to use a product specifically formulated for trees; anything else could upset their delicate root systems. To make sure your tree has enough food, try digging a small hole at its base and applying a quarter cup of fertilizer (or less). You’ll want to wait about two weeks before watering after applying fertilizer; if your tree has many leaves it may already have an abundance of food and water won’t hurt it. In terms of how much water each type of tree needs, there really isn’t a set amount as every single species has unique watering requirements; however, as a general rule deciduous trees tend to need less water than evergreens do. 

While our last trip was related to feeding your tree, we highly recommend reading these tips on caring for specific types of trees from Johnny Horticulturalist if you want even more advice on taking care of individual species. Trees provide us with countless benefits but aren't known for being super easy to maintain; understanding just what they need will help keep yours healthy and happy.


Trim Branches

When tree branches become weighed down with snow, they can break and damage other trees, your home, or even power lines. In early spring, it’s a good idea to go around your yard and trim any overhanging branches. Small limbs that have fallen from trees throughout winter should also be cleared away so you don’t put yourself or others at risk later on when spring flowers are in bloom. 

If a branch is too large to be removed by hand, consider hiring a tree service to help get rid of it for you. By taking steps now, you’ll avoid having dangerous branches falling on your property as warmer weather approaches.


Prune Bushes, Shrubs, and Trees

If you have any shrubs, bushes, or trees on your property, spring is an excellent time to prune them. Pruning helps prevent and treat diseases as well as remove dead or diseased branches. You’ll also want to make sure your tree branches are free from any insects that may be hiding among them; bugs can quickly kill a tree if left untreated. 

If you don’t know how to perform these tasks, it might be wise to hire a pro for some advice; pruning isn’t always easy and mistakes can cause serious problems for your trees later on. Properly caring for your trees during spring will keep them healthy over their lifespan. Here’s hoping they stick around for many years to come!


Questions, Comments, Thoughts?

Blog Article Search

Are You a Business?

1. Register your company
2. Create a searchable listing
3. Connect with more clients

Get Listed Today