Spring is the season when trees wake up. Establishing a spring tree care plan will promote growth and sustain the health of your oaks and sycamores all year long. Connect with a reputable tree service and use the guide below to tend to your trees in spring.

What to Know About Spring Tree Care

Fertilizing

Fertilizing in spring kick-starts tree growth. Not all trees, especially those in urban zones, get enough nutrients or moisture. If the soil around your trees is compacted, aerate the soil with a pitchfork, taking care not to disturb roots. Use a slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer in late April. 

Identifying Diseases & Pests

In early spring, look for gray areas on limbs, which indicate frostbite damage, and dangling or cracked branches. These should be removed. Fungi growing at the base of a tree or new sproutings near the ground are signs of a tree stressed by a disease.

Termites, caterpillars, aphids, and many other insects can also damage the tree. Contact an arborist if you detect them or have concerns about a tree’s health. These professionals will identify ailments and then use eco-friendly restorative treatments and techniques to save your tree from further damage.

Mulching

Mulching does more than add color and texture to your landscaping. It also protects tree roots from the sun and helps trees retain moisture. Mulch can also prevent weed growth.

Spread a new layer of mulch, three to four inches in thickness over the root system—usually one to two feet from the trunk in each direction. If possible, mulch out to the drip line of the tree. Leave a few inches of clear space between the trunk and mulch, and arrange the mulch pile to slope toward the trunk rather than away.

Trimming & Pruning

Trimming and pruning are more than cosmetic. A professional tree service will selectively clear away excess growth to give a tree a balanced shape and open the canopy to sunlight and rain.

A tree service will remove damaged and weak limbs and branches that pose threats to a tree’s health and your property. They’ll then carefully trim branches to direct growth. Trimming and pruning are jobs that require experience and care. When in doubt, leave these chores to the professionals.

If you’re looking for reliable tree service in the Demotte, IN, the team at Russell’s Tree Care Services, Inc. has you covered. They provide full-service tree care to residents and commercial clients across  Lake, Porter, and Jasper counties, ranging from tree trimming to land clearing. Explore their website to learn more about their services, or call (219) 987-4378 to schedule a consultation.