Spring Tree Care: How to Prepare Your Trees for Spring
After the long winter months, we are usually all ready for the new season by the time spring comes around. In the last few weeks of winter, we might daydream about what’s to come in the spring, when our flowers and trees begin to bloom, the grass gets greener, and we can finally enjoy time outside. As you get excited about this new season, you should also begin to prepare your trees for the change so that they can have optimal health and growth this spring season, and you can enjoy them to their fullest in all their beauty. Instead of counting down the days, as you await spring and for your plants to come out of dormancy, there are a number of things you can do to prepare your trees for the growing season, as well as ways to maintain your trees’ health when the season is well underway.
Check for Winter and Ice Storm Damage
In the weeks leading up to spring, once the ice and snow have melted off of your trees, you should check for signs of ice storm damage. If the tree is leaning, has broken or hanging branches, broken bark, or stobbs, the tree may have experienced damage during the winter months. If you notice any of these signs, you should have a professional arborist take a look at it to determine the best option for your tree’s health moving forward. Damage caused by ice and winter storms can put your tree under stress and cause long-term damage, so having them cared for before or during spring is a good idea to optimize their health.
Remove dead branches caused by winter damage
Ice storms and the cold winter months we experience here in the Pacific Northwest can cause branches to break and dead wood. Whether it be broken branches on a large conifer tree all the way down to a small rhododendron, or a bent arborvitae hedge, these breaks and bends should be taken care of. Deadwood removal is effective in maintaining your overall tree’s health by avoiding broken limbs and exposed heartwood which can attract insects and other diseases. Not only that, but pruning dead branches before spring can create a much safer yard so that you can enjoy your time outside without the risk of dead branches falling on your outdoor furniture, or home, or causing an injury.
Check your tree for Birch Borer and Bark Beetle infestation
Unfortunately, bronze birch borers and bark beetles are running rampant in Washington, causing significant damage to trees. If one of your birch trees has a dead top or you notice a cedar looking very pale, your tree is likely infested. It may be hard to tell, but when it comes to a beetle infestation it’s best to err on the side of caution. Professional arborists have been trained to recognize signs of birch borer and beetle infestation, so having an expert come to take a look at your trees to check for this as well as any other damage that occurred in the winter is a good idea. Checking for a pest infestation in the early spring is best because spring is an optimal time to have tree injections done, which treats your trees for birch borers and bark beetles.
Remove weeds and debris surrounding the tree
During the winter, debris such as leaves, branches, and weeds can build up around tree base of the tree. These items may be covering signs of damage like decay, and can also trap moisture and become a perfect area for fungal issues. It’s a good idea to remove this debris in the weeks leading up to spring to avid fungal, weed, and insect takeover.
Make sure your trees are hydrated
Before your trees leaf out, you should make sure that they are hydrated. It’s a good idea to do this at the end of winter once the ground has thawed so that the tree is hydrated going into spring. There’s a chance that a winter season with heavy rain or melted snow has left your trees hydrated enough. If the soil about six inches below the ground surrounding the tree is wet, you should be fine without adding water. However, if the soil is dry, you should water your tree.
Harsh winters can be tough on trees, so it’s critical to check on them right before or at the beginning of spring so that you can repair any damage caused by winter storms or pests. Making sure that your trees and yard are in a healthy state after winter may seem like a daunting task. If that’s the case for you and you aren’t sure exactly what your trees need, schedule a no-cost consultation online or with one of our field representatives to have one of our local, professional arborists consult with you on the best way to proceed heading into the spring season.
We understand that it can be challenging to see your tree’s health decline but not know what to do about it. Let us help you get to the bottom of it so you can enjoy your beautiful trees this spring and summer.