Tree Care Tips For Every Season

Tree care during every season is highly recommended. Depending on the season and temperature, trees will require a variety of treatments and care. Preventing future damage of trees, people or property can make a huge difference. Don’t know if tree removal is necessary? Contact LTRC today. Here are a few ways to keep trees happy and healthy throughout the year.

Winter (December – February)

Wrap young and newly planted trees — Wrapping your trees prevents sun scald, a frequent ailment causing tree bark to dry and crack.

Prevent deer damage — Protect your trees from various kinds of deer damage such as deer browsing, feeding and male rutting. Wrapping the tree in protective netting, tree guards, or tubes can prevent damage to trees caused by deer.

Avoid rock salt or ice melts — Most common rock salts contain sodium chloride, which dehydrates the tree roots and needles. Opting for magnesium chloride melts will prevent dehydration. If needed, remove what salt you see from the base of the tree and water the tree to flush out the soil.

Remove heavy snow from branches — To prevent branches from breaking, gently brush snow off in upward direction. For branches that are higher and harder to reach, gently use a broom in an upward direction. It is important to not shake branches or brush down, as they could snap.

Spring (March – May)

Fertilize — Make sure to fertilize trees yearly in the spring to keep them healthy and stimulate root growth. Fertilizer introduces key nutrients to improve the overall plant growth.

Prevent fungal diseases — Preventative sprays can keep trees from being infected as cool, wet weather creates a breeding ground for fungal infections and diseases such as anthracnose, root rot, and leaf spot.

Mulch —- To prevent soil compaction, retain soil moisture, and promote organic matter development, be sure to place mulch 2-3 inches thick around the base of the tree.

Watch for tree & shrub pests — As warm weather approaches, insects and diseases can cause significant damage. Keep an eye on your trees and shrubs as the weather changes to catch pests early. Tree removal may be required as temperatures rise and trees become dormant.

Summer (June – August)

Prune — Pruning, or trimming, dead, dying and diseased branches is important during the summer to prevent dangers to people and property. These limbs typically break and fall during summer storms, so it’s important to prune early!

Re-apply mulch — As heavy rains can wash away mulch, re-apply as needed and make sure the mulch is 2-3 inches thick around the base of the tree.

Water — As temperatures increase, make sure to keep your trees hydrated by watering them once a week (depending on rainfall).

Fall (September – November)

Fertilize — Be sure to prepare the tree’s roots by fertilizing again in the fall. Fertilizing ensures that trees stay healthy and protects them from winter damage, such as ice and snow.

Rake fallen tree leaves — A common occurrence in the fall is a resurgence of disease carrying fungi hiding in fallen leaves, often at the base of the tree. To prevent any diseases, be sure to rake the leaves at the base of the tree, especially before rain.

Plant new trees —- Cooler temperatures in the fall create a lower chance of trees dying from sun scorch or drought.

Mulch — Applying mulch again in the fall will protect trees from cold temperatures and help soil retain moisture and organic matter. Be sure that your mulch is 2-3 inches deep around the trunk of the tree to insulate the tree’s roots.

Treat, Prune, and Cable — In order to prevent tree’s needles from turning brown, you can apply anti-desiccants. Deadwood should be pruned, and tree’s can be cabled for support and damage prevention when prepping for winter storms.

Inspect trees — Check your trees annually for any potential dangers and structural issues. Contact LTRC Tree for tree removal services when needed.

In Need of Tree Removal Services?

If you find yourself in need of a tree removal service, look no further than LTRC Tree Specialists. Our professionals can help remove unhealthy trees and lower your risk for tree damage. Visit our website or call (404) 977-4682 today!