Proper Maintenance for Trees in Spring
Proper spring maintenance can prevent disease, encourage new growth, and enhance the overall landscape around your home or property.
Inspect Your Trees
Start with a careful inspection.
Look for:
- Broken or dead branches that need removal
- Signs of disease like discoloration, fungal growth, or oozing sap
- Cracks in the trunk or damage to the bark
- Pest activity, including holes in leaves or wood
Early detection of problems can save a tree from serious damage later. If you’re unsure about any symptoms, consider consulting a certified arborist.
Prune Dead or Damaged Branches
Spring is an ideal time to prune trees, especially to remove any damage caused by winter storms.
Focus on cutting:
- Deadwood
- Diseased limbs
- Branches that cross or rub against each other
Proper pruning improves airflow and sunlight penetration, helping trees grow healthier and stronger.
Be careful not to over-prune; too much cutting can stress a tree and stunt its growth.
Clean Up Around the Base
Clear away:
- Fallen leaves
- Branches
- Weeds
- Old mulch
A clean area around the tree base discourages pests and fungal diseases from taking hold.
Plus, it allows new mulch and nutrients to reach the roots easily.
Apply Fresh Mulch
Mulching is essential for tree health, especially in spring.
Spread a 2-4 inch layer of fresh mulch around the base of the tree, but keep it away from direct contact with the trunk to avoid rot.
Mulch helps by:
- Retaining soil moisture
- Regulating temperature
- Suppressing weeds
- Providing slow-release nutrients
Organic mulches like shredded bark, wood chips, or compost are the best choices.
Check Soil Moisture
Spring often brings rain, but it's still important to monitor soil moisture, especially after dry spells.
The soil around your trees should be moist but not soggy.
- Too dry? Water deeply to help the roots grow downward.
- Too wet? Improve drainage if necessary to prevent root rot.
Young trees and newly planted trees are especially vulnerable and may need extra watering.
Fertilize If Needed
Trees need nutrients to support spring growth.
However, not every tree requires fertilizer each year. Over-fertilizing can do more harm than good.
Signs that your tree may need fertilization include:
- Slow growth
- Pale or yellowing leaves
- Smaller-than-normal leaves
Use a slow-release fertilizer that’s appropriate for the tree species, or consult with a professional if you're unsure.
Watch for Pests and Diseases
As temperatures warm up, pests and diseases become more active.
Common spring pests include:
- Aphids
- Spider mites
- Caterpillars
- Scale insects
Diseases like powdery mildew and leaf spot can also start appearing.
Regularly inspect your trees and treat any issues early, using organic treatments when possible to protect beneficial insects like bees.
Support Young Trees
If you have newly planted trees, spring is critical for their establishment.
- Stake them properly if they are tall or in windy areas
- Protect the trunks from lawnmower and weed trimmer damage
- Keep mulch and soil away from the trunk base to avoid disease
Young trees are more sensitive and benefit greatly from a little extra attention in their first few seasons.
Plan for Future Growth
Take the opportunity to think long-term about your trees:
- Is there enough space for future growth?
- Will larger branches need to be trimmed in a few years?
- Could roots interfere with driveways or foundations?
Proper planning helps avoid major problems down the line and ensures your trees stay healthy for decades.