7 Tree Care Tips for Springtime

Trees are dormant during winter, saving all their energy for spring growth. Now that spring is here, trees are coming back to life – and it’s the best time to make sure they have the best possible start to the growing season. With a little proactive care, you can save time and money down the line – while giving your trees all they need to thrive.

Today, we’ll go over 7 maintenance tips you can use to help your trees make the most of the growing season.

1. Clean Up Yard Debris

Did you know that cleaning up yard debris can have health benefits for your trees? Organic debris can trap moisture, creating a perfect home for fungus, mold, and even pests that could harm your trees.

Yard Debris Removal Tips

• Pick up fallen branches and leaves from the area around your trees’ trunks.
• Rake up leaves and other debris to clear the soil.
• Trim away dead or weakened branches; they could fall during high winds.

2. Inspect Trees for Winter Damage

Even though San Jose winters tend to be mild, trees can still take a beating. By inspecting your trees at the start of spring, you can catch a lot of problems before they get out of hand.

Common Winter Tree Damage:

• Broken or weakened branches. These should be pruned away before they can fall and damage property or cause injury.
• Cracks in the bark. When temperatures change suddenly, it can crack a tree’s wood. These vertical cracks can leave your tree more susceptible to pest infestation and disease.
• Newly-leaning trees. The soil can get softer with temperature changes, making the roots unstable and the tree more likely to fall over. This requires prompt attention from a tree care professional.

The earlier you address these issues, the less likely it is that your tree will suffer lasting damage.

3. Look for Signs of Pests

Just like trees, pests are dormant during winter and more active during spring. Some pests even overwinter in tree bark or the soil around trees’ roots. Since pest infestations are most likely to begin during spring, it’s important to act fast if you notice signs of pest activity.

Signs of Pest Infestation in Trees:

• Holes bored in bark. This could indicate the presence of wood-boring insects, such as beetles.
• “Sawdust” at the base of the tree. This can also indicate wood-boring insects.
• Chewed, curled, or discolored leaves. This could indicate a pest presence or plant disease.
• Sticky residue on the tree’s trunk. Trees naturally leak some sap, but this could also be honeydew, a sticky substance left behind by aphids, scale insects, and other insects that feed on sap.

If you suspect that pests are infesting one of your trees, call a tree care professional as soon as you can. Even if you don’t have an active infestation, preventative care could save you a lot of trouble down the road.

4. Use Mulch and Fertilizer

Trees need strong roots, and spring is a great time to help them form. Rejuvenating the soil with mulch and fertilizer can add much-needed nutrients and moisture that your trees can use to grow strong.

How to Improve Soil Health:

• Aerate the soil to allow water and nutrients to reach the roots. By punching holes in the soil around your trees, you can reduce soil compaction and enhance nutrient absorption.
• Add mulch around the base of the tree to help trap moisture and heat. Make sure to leave a few inches free around the trunk of the tree.
• Test soil nutrient levels to determine what type of fertilizer you need. Using too much fertilizer – or the wrong type – can be harmful to your trees.

It’s important to apply mulch and fertilizer carefully for best results. Consulting with a professional is the best way to assess your trees’ needs.

5. Trim Your Trees

It’s important to trim your trees for structure and safety. Maintaining proper balance helps prevent trees from tipping or falling over. Weak or damaged branches are also more likely to fall during windy conditions, so it’s important to remove them before they fall on their own.

Tree Pruning Includes:

• Removing dead, damaged, and weakened branches.
• Thinning out branches to prevent crowding and enhance sunlight exposure.
• Shaping younger trees to ensure balanced growth.

Pruning isn’t just about making your trees look good; it’s also about making sure your trees are safe and grow correctly. A tree care professional knows how to maximize these benefits – and where to prune your trees to maintain balance.

6. Establish a Watering Schedule

Consistent watering is important for strong growth, especially during spring. Establishing a watering schedule is a great way to make sure your trees get all the water they need. 

Tree Watering Tips:

• If you planted new trees, make sure they receive regular watering to help them establish sturdy roots.
• Monitor the soil’s moisture levels. Make sure not to under- or over-water.
• “Deep water” older trees during dry spells to make sure they stay healthy.

A consistent watering schedule will help your trees better stand up to stress and disease.

7. Schedule a Professional Tree Assessment

Many tree care tasks can be handled by the average homeowner, but help from a professional ensures that your trees get exactly what they need, exactly when they need it. A certified arborist can spot signs of pests, disease, and structural weakness that you wouldn’t notice on your own.

Benefits of a Professional Tree Inspection

• Professional pruning for health and safety.
• Proactive pest and disease treatments.
• Overall evaluation of tree health.
• Customized maintenance plans.

Professional tree inspections can catch problems early, saving time and money in the long run. This will help your trees stay healthy, safe, and beautiful all year long.

Count on Anderson’s Tree Care Specialists for Expert Tree Care in San Jose

The Anderson’s Tree Care Specialists team believes that your trees deserve the best care they can get. That’s why we offer comprehensive tree inspections and all sorts of tree health services. We’re here to help you make sure your trees get a great start to the growing season.Whatever your trees need, the Anderson’s Tree Care Specialists team is here to help! Give us a call to get started with a free estimate.