As winter melts away and warmer days arrive, trees begin to awaken from dormancy. Spring is a critical time for tree care, ensuring they stay healthy, strong, and vibrant throughout the year. Proper preparation helps promote new growth, prevent disease, and enhance the beauty of your landscape. Here’s our step-by-step guide to getting your trees spring-ready!
1. Inspect Your Trees for Helene Damage
In WNC, after Hurricane Helene it’s crucial to thoroughly inspect your trees for any signs of damage that could pose risks to your property and safety. Strong winds and heavy rain can cause branches to break, weaken tree structures, or even uproot trees entirely. Look for cracks in the trunk, broken or hanging branches, and leaning trees, as these can be signs of structural damage. Additionally, check for split bark or exposed roots, which may indicate internal damage. If you notice any of these issues, it's important to remove the hazards before they cause further harm. Proper post-storm tree inspections can help ensure your landscape remains safe and secure.
2. Prune and Trim for Healthy Growth
Pruning is essential in early spring to remove dead, weak, or overgrown branches and encourage strong, healthy growth. Benefits of pruning include:
Better air circulation – reducing disease risk.
Increased sunlight exposure – helping new leaves and flowers bloom.
Stronger structure – preventing future damage from storms or heavy winds.
Be cautious not to over-prune, as this can stress the tree. If unsure, consider hiring a certified arborist for expert trimming!
3. Mulch to Protect Roots
Applying fresh mulch around the base of your trees in early spring helps:
Retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Prevent weeds from growing.
Protect roots from extreme weather changes.
Tip: Apply mulch in a 2-4 inch layer, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to avoid rot and pest issues.
4. Deep Watering for Stronger Roots
After a long winter, trees may need extra hydration to recover and prepare for new growth. Early spring is a great time to give trees a deep watering to reach their roots, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to prevent runoff and water in the early morning to minimize evaporation. Young trees and newly planted ones require more frequent watering, while mature trees benefit from less frequent but deep watering.
5. Fertilize for Nutrient Boost
To ensure robust growth, apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer that provides essential nutrients. Fertilizing helps to promote lush green foliage, strengthen root systems as well as encourage healthy flowering and fruiting. Make sure to choose the right fertilizer based on your soil and tree type. A soil test can help determine any deficiencies.
6. Watch for Pests and Disease
As temperatures rise, pests and diseases become more active. Keep an eye out for:
Insect infestations – Such as aphids, scale, or borers.
Leaf discoloration or spots – A sign of fungal or bacterial infections.
Unusual growths on bark or branches – May indicate disease or decay.
Early detection is key! If you notice issues, consult a tree care specialist for proper treatment.
7. Plan for Professional Tree Care
While DIY tree care is important, some tasks require expert attention. Consider hiring a professional for:
Tree trimming and pruning – to ensure proper shaping and safety and make room for killer views.
Tree removal – if a tree is diseased, dead, or hazardous.
Stump removal – to remove unsightly heavy stumps from your yard.
Spring is the perfect time to boost your trees' health and looks. Whether you need pruning, trimming, removal or more, JC Property Professionals is here to help!