After so many long, cold months of winter, the warmth of spring can be invigorating. The same is true of your trees and shrubs, but coming out of their winter dormancy can be stressful for them. If they don’t receive proper care at this critical juncture, they may not recover properly for the growing season. Here are some things you can do this spring to help your trees and shrubs thrive all year.
1. Remove Weeds
Weeds take the resources that your plants need to grow and use them for themselves. Not only that, but they look awful. Weeds are easier to get rid of in the spring because they grow slowly during this time, and their roots haven’t extended deeply yet. Once the weeds are gone, you’re ready for the next step.
2. Apply a New Layer of Mulch
Mulch helps to prevent weeds from growing around your trees, which is why it makes sense to add a new layer after you weeding. It also benefits trees by helping the soil to retain moisture and maintain a consistent temperature.
If you have old mulch left over from last year, clear it away before you add a new layer. Make sure that you leave space between the mulch and the trunk of the tree. Otherwise, if the mulch is touching the trunk, moisture could get trapped there. This could promote mould growth.
3. Have Your Trees Pruned
Pruning trees can make them stronger and promotes new growth. When performed correctly, it reduces the threat of branch drooping and increases the production of fruits and flowers. It is necessary for ornamental shrubs so they can maintain their structure and shape, but it also improves the aesthetic appeal of trees in general.
The best time to have your trees pruned is in late winter to early spring. During this time, the trees are still dormant, giving them time to recover from the pruning. New growth is rapid after pruning. Tree cutting services in Cambridge have the knowledge and experience to prune your trees correctly, in a way that will enhance their health and beauty rather than detract from it. It is also safer to hire professionals to prune your trees who know where the branches will fall to prevent them from causing property damage or injuries.
4. Fertilize Appropriately
Trees and shrubs need the nourishment provided by nutrients such as potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus, which they absorb from the soil through their roots. Over time, these nutrients can become depleted, and tree health suffers as a result.
If there are deficiencies in your soil, you need to fertilize to replace them for the health of your plants. Nevertheless, it is possible to have too much of a good thing, and that goes for fertilizer as well. You could harm your plants if you add nutrients to the soil that is already fertile.
Trees and shrubs that are not receiving adequate nutrients may show symptoms such as leaf drop, leaf discolouration, or decreased growth; e.g., fewer flowers or smaller leaves. You can also check for deficiencies using a soil test.
One situation in which you always need to fertilize soil is if you have shrubs and trees that are still establishing roots following recent transplantation. They need the extra nutrients in order to thrive.
5. Know When To Have a Tree Removed
Though it can be difficult, there are times when you have to have a tree removed. Sometimes a tree grows too close to your house and could undermine its structural integrity. A tree that is dead or dying may be more likely to fall and isn’t very pretty either.
Martin’s Tree Service is the answer to the question, “Where can I find tree-cutting and removal services near me?” Learn more about the services we provide.
Steve Martin
