Spring is just a few weeks away! It’s time to consider what your spring tree care plan should look like. Trees are resilient, but they are vulnerable in the spring when they first wake up. We’ve compiled a list of best practices that you can follow to give your trees a healthy start to the new year.
Michigan Spring Tree Care Tips
Pruning
Spring is the ideal time to prune because the leaves have not fully emerged yet. As such, you’ll be able to more easily determine which areas need to be trimmed back. While trimming, be sure to keep an eye out for tree diseases like wilt, cankers, scale, and mildew (more on all these in a bit.) Removing dead or dying branches will not only improve the health of the tree, but it will also allow you to create your desired shape. Additionally, it prevents future safety hazards. If you notice a larger branch looks like it’s dying, you can remove it before it falls on your home, garage, car, or even a family member or pet.
Be sure to use the correct tools. Shears and loppers are good for branches that are thinner in diameter while handsaws are best for branches with a diameter of one inch or greater.
Guard Against Disease
There’s no shortage of pests that love nothing more than munching on your trees. As the temperatures rise, and moisture abounds, fungi and other diseases can emerge. Caterpillars, tree scale, mites, powdery mildew, and Anthracnose are just some of the dozens of diseases your trees face every spring. The ideal strategy is to be proactive. A dormant oil, also known as horticulture oil, should be applied in early spring before pest activity reaches its zenith. We Michiganders are known for our apples. Apple and fruit tree care in spring is crucial because, unlike other trees, they attract more pests with their fruit. (Fruit flies didn’t get their name for no reason!) If you have a fruit tree in your yard, you won’t want to miss this step. Dormant oil will cover bugs that haven’t fully emerged from their winter hunkering down. Once this is applied, you’ll want to use an anti-fungal spray in late spring.
Mulch
With so many materials to choose from, mulching is an easy way to get some extra moisture and nutrients to your tree. (Be sure to check out our December blog for tips on choosing mulch!) You’ll want to apply a three to four-inch layer around the base of your trees, leaving a five-inch ring around the base. Make sure to apply the mulch evenly. This prevents weeds, nourishes roots, traps needed moisture during the summer months, and even acts as an insulator when the cold weather returns.
Get Professional Spring Tree Care In Sterling Heights
Nurturing a tree in spring can make or break its health for the rest of the year. Entrust your precious lawn ornaments to the professionals at Alpine Tree And Lawn Care. Our multi-step tree care program sets your trees up for success in spring and the rest of the year. Give us a call at 586-884-7799 or contact us online here. For more tips and ideas on lawn care, tree care, and more, be sure to check out our monthly blog, and like us on Facebook!