Tree service professionals of Pittsburgh, PA share how to take care of your plants and trees as spring awakens.
Checking Off the List of Spring Chores to Prepare Trees for the Growing Season
As the last of the snow begins to melt and crocuses and jonquils peek their bright buds out of the moist cool soil, people begin to breathe deeply of the landscape and desire to stretch their legs outside. All the other flora and fauna feel this shift toward warmth and growth as well, which means it is a great time to be in the yard helping trees and plants to get ready to grow to their full potential in the later spring and summer. There are five areas of concern for any gardener, whether they are amateur or veteran of the spring preparation: cleaning up, pruning, nutrients, pests and new planting.
Spring Cleaning
Cleaning up the yard is almost intuitive for anyone who spends time outside. Though it may be from a purely aesthetic motivation, cleaning up dead leaves, branches, and flowers is actually helpful for tree growth. This really is the first step in spring tree health care.
A few of the things that should be cleaned up are included in the list below:
- Dead twigs and branches
- Dead leaves
- Old mulch
- Tree trunks should be free of mulch and debris
Early Tree Pruning
Pruning is the next step in the spring checklist. A homeowner should inspect the tree for any branches that look damaged or may have some sort of disease or pest problem. If a homeowner is not able to identify the problem they should consult with an arborist to make sure they are doing the proper pruning. This means not only dealing with damaged limbs but some that may be overcrowding and limiting tree growth.
Returning Nutrients through Mulch and Compost
Now is also a good time to help the soil that is feeding your plants and trees by replenishing nutrients through a fresh layer of manure, compost, or mulch (or all three). Organic mulch will break down more slowly than the other two (like an extended release vitamin) and will also help retain moisture and protect the roots against extreme temperature changes. Do not pile mulch up on the trunk of the tree as this can promote pests and disease.
Beware Pests and Tree Disease
If a homeowner does their own tree trimming, pruning, and mulching, they need to be aware of the best methods and times for doing these tasks because any of them can lead to an infection or infestation if they are done incorrectly.
Here are a few bits of advice:
- Prune Early: Prune before the season grows to warm and the insects and fungi find the vulnerable spots in the tree. This gives the tree time to recover instead of opening it to problems.
- Use Sterile Tools: Tools should be clean and sterilized when they are being use on trees.
- Don’t Overwater: Too much water, especially with mulch, can lead to a nasty fungal situation. Water slowly around the roots after things have thawed and don’t water the leaves.
Planting New Trees
If your yard needs a little something extra, now is also the time to plant new trees. Make sure the tree will grow well in your area and that it has plenty of room to grow. An arborist or tree service company can give you advice about what will work best for your yard.
About Greater Pitt Tree Service
With over 28 years of service in the Greater Pittsburgh, PA area, Greater Pitt Tree Service guarantees professional, friendly service. They offer 24/7 emergency service and free estimates. Call today for a consultation.