7 Springtime Tree Maintenance Tips

Trees are dormant during winter, and now that spring is returning, they’re preparing to grow like crazy. Springtime is the perfect time to make sure your trees are healthy, fix any damage they might have sustained during winter, and give them the care they need to thrive for the rest of the growing season. With a bit of proactive maintenance now, you can save yourself time and money later – all while keeping your trees healthy and beautiful.

Today we’ll cover 7 maintenance tips to give your trees a strong start for spring.

1. Clean Up Debris

Cleaning up your yard isn’t just about looking neat and tidy – it can also have health benefits for your trees. Organic debris can trap moisture, which creates a perfect environment for mold, fungus, and even pest infestations.

To Deal With Yard Debris:

• Remove fallen branches and leaves from around tree trunks.
• Rake up leaves and any other small debris.
• Prune away dead or weak branches. These can become hazardous during high winds.

2. Inspect Trees for Winter Damage

Here in Eastern Massachusetts, winter can be tough for trees. Freezing temperatures, strong winds, and heavy snow and ice accumulation can do a lot of damage. A thorough early-spring inspection can identify damage that needs attention.

Common Tree Damage:

• Broken or weakened branches. These can become a safety hazard. They should be pruned away before they fall.
• Frost cracks. This can be a sign of internal damage caused by temperature changes. If you notice vertical cracks in your tree’s trunk, it may require treatment.
• Leaning trees. Freezing and thawing can cause shifts in the ground and make a tree’s roots unstable.

The earlier you catch these issues, the easier it is to intervene and stop them from getting worse.

3. Inspect Trees for Pest Damage

Pests are also less active during winter and come back in full force during spring. Some pests might even overwinter in a tree’s bark or the surrounding soil. Trees are most vulnerable to pest infestations during the spring, so it’s important to mitigate the danger where possible.

Signs of Pest Infestation in Trees:

• Holes bored in bark. These could be a sign of wood-boring insects, like beetles.
• “Sawdust” at the base of the tree. This is another sign of wood-boring insects.
• Chewed, curled, or discolored leaves. This could indicate a pest problem or plant disease.
• Sticky residue. This could be tree sap or honeydew, a similar substance produced by aphids, scale insects, and other sap-consuming insects.

If you suspect a pest infestation of any kind on your trees, get in touch with a professional to prevent the problem from growing out of control.

4. Refresh the Soil With Mulch and Fertilizer

Healthy roots are the foundation of strong trees, and spring is an ideal time to revitalize the soil around them. Soil can become compacted over winter, reducing water and nutrient absorption.

How to Improve Soil Health:

• Aerate the soil to allow water and nutrients to reach the roots.
• Add mulch around the base of the tree to help with moisture retention and temperature regulation. Make sure to leave space around the trunk of the tree.
• Test soil nutrient levels to determine which (if any) fertilizer your trees need.

Mulch and fertilizer can be an important part of maintaining your trees’ health, but they must be used properly for best results. Professional advice is vital.

5. Prune Your Trees

Springtime is a great time to remove damaged or weak branches to make sure your tree grows properly. Did you know that your tree’s structure is important to its health? An unbalanced tree is more likely to tip over, so it’s important to balance your tree’s crown with pruning.

Tree Pruning Steps:

1. Remove dead, damaged, or weakened branches.
2. Thin out crowded branches for better airflow and sun exposure.
3. Shape younger trees to encourage balanced growth.

Pruning is just as important for a tree’s health and safety as it is for its aesthetics, and a professional knows just how to maximize these benefits.

6. Maintain a Watering Schedule

Trees need consistency to thrive, and this is especially true while they’re actively growing throughout spring. 

Tree Watering Tips:

• Water newly-planted trees regularly to help them establish strong roots.
• Monitor the soil’s moisture levels to prevent over- or under-watering.
• Give mature trees a “deep watering” during dry spells.

With a consistent watering schedule, your trees will be more resilient to stress and disease.

7. Schedule a Professional Tree Assessment

While many of these tasks might be easy enough to handle on your own, help from a professional ensures that your trees get the best care possible. A certified arborist can pick up on signs of disease, structural weakness, and pest infestations that aren’t as noticeable to the untrained eye.

Benefits of a Professional Tree Inspection

• Expert pruning for healthy and balanced growth.
• Pest control and disease treatments.
• Evaluations of your trees’ overall health and customized maintenance plans.

Professional tree care can save you time and money in the long run – all while keeping your trees healthy, safe, and beautiful.

Count on Tree Tech, Inc. for Expert Tree Care in Eastern Massachusetts

Your trees deserve the best this spring. Getting a proactive early start on tree care by clearing yard debris, inspecting for damage, and maintaining a watering schedule, you ensure they have the best possible start to the season.The Tree Tech, Inc. team is here to help! Give us a call to get started with a free tree care estimate.