17 May
Caring for trees is a year-round activity that requires specific practices to ensure optimum health and longevity. Each season presents unique challenges and opportunities for maintaining the vitality of your trees. However, improper care can cause severe deterioration and premature tree and stump removal. At the Southern Star Stump, we recommend these essential tips to help you provide the right care throughout the year.
Winter is usually the dormant season for most tree species. This allows property owners to conduct invasive maintenance like tree trimming and pruning.
With trees resting, the weight of snow and ice can cause branches to break. Inspect your trees for any cracked or weak branches and remove them before they become a hazard. Remove the snow or ice carefully from your trees, but without the proper tools or skills, it’s better to let it melt than to risk damage.
Check on your trees throughout the winter, especially after severe weather events. Look for signs of rodent or deer damage and use protective barriers if necessary. Winter watering is not usually necessary, but it may be needed during dry spells.
After many months of dormancy in winter, trees can finally awaken for fresh growth. Spring provides an opportunity to create the foundation for a year of healthy development. Let’s look at key steps to enhance vitality and longevity.
As mentioned, spring is the time for fresh growth and renewal. As the trees awaken from their winter dormancy, look for telltale signs of damage or disease, like broken branches, fungal growth, or pest infestation. Early spring is an ideal time for strategic pruning, but severe cases of dead or diseased branches may prompt a tree and stump removal exercise to protect healthy trees.
Spring is an ideal time for mulching around the base of each tree. Arborists recommend keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and fungal infections. Mulch helps hold moisture, suppresses weeds, and provides essential nutrients as it breaks down. Besides mulching, spring is also the right time to fertilize your trees, especially if you have saplings or the soil lacks sufficient nutrients.
Spring is unpredictable, with sudden dry spells or excessive rain. Ensure your trees receive adequate water, especially in warmer weather. Young trees or newly planted trees require frequent watering until their root systems are established. Also, apply proper treatments to protect your trees from pests and diseases, especially for common spring pests like aphids and caterpillars.
As the weather warms up in the summer, it comes with various challenges and opportunities. Luckily, you can adopt these maintenance practices to ensure your trees remain healthy.
Unlike spring, summer requires more consistent watering, especially during hot periods. We recommend deep watering to encourage deeper root growth and mitigate the harmful effects of drought. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged and add mulch to maintain soil moisture and keep roots cool. Insufficient watering can cause severe root damage and affect overall health, causing tree removal and additional stump grinding costs.
Inspect your trees regularly for signs of stress, pests, or disease. Summer can bring an increase in both pests and fungal diseases because of warm, humid conditions. Once you notice infestations or infections, address the problem early to prevent them from spreading. Consider environmentally friendly options like neem oil or insecticidal soap for managing pests.
While major pruning is performed in the dormant season, you can prune any suckers, water sprouts, or damaged limbs during the summer to maintain the tree’s shape and prevent unwanted growth. Be cautious over pruning to avoid deterioration and subsequent repercussions.
By following these seasonal guidelines, you can ensure that your trees thrive and enhance curb appeal throughout the year. Contact us at the Southern Star Stump to schedule a consultation with our experts. We provide comprehensive tree services, from planting and routine care to removal and stump grinding. Let us help you improve the quality of your premises by ensuring healthy greenery.
