spring-tree-care-tips-2023-vi-tree

A Spring Checklist For Tree Health Care

spring-tree-care-tips-2023-vi-tree

Tree service experts of Vancouver, BC provide a spring chore list to help their customers take care of their trees. 

What To Do For Your Yard As Spring Approaches

As the warmth begins to melt the snow and ice and green starts to emerge from the tender muddy ground, people begin to feel the joy of the coming spring. They also look out the window and see a lot of work to be done in the yard. Spring is a time for refreshing and renewal and for getting your hands dirty.Trees can use a little extra attention at the end of winter or beginning of spring, and this article will tell you how to make their growing season the best it can be both for plant health care and for an aesthetically pleasing yard.

Step #1: Tidying the Yard

The first step in tackling any project around the house whether indoors or outdoors is to figure out what you need and what you don’t. Removing broken limbs and dead leaves from the yard is the best way to begin with spring tree care. This is good for the look of the yard, but also minimizes the places for pests and fungi to hide. Dead wood is a natural breeding ground for these flora and fauna that can harm healthy trees as well as breaking down decaying wood.

Step #2: Investigating Trees for Damage and Tree Disease

This is the point where most homeowners may need professional help. Though you may be able to identify that something is not right with the tree, or that there are dead branches, you may not be able to determine the root cause or how to fix it. That is where a reliable tree service company enters the picture. They can employ a certified arborist to determine if your trees have any problems that need to be dealt with right away.

Step #3: Tree Trimming and Pruning

Tree pruning is intended to help trees with healthy growth by removing dead branches and thinning out areas that are overcrowded. Trimming can keep the tree from obstructing power lines or scraping roofs. Here are a few words of caution concerning trimming and pruning.

  • Use sterilized tools when trimming to prevent disease spread.
  • Beware of over pruning which can actually kill a tree instead of helping it.
  • Consider hiring a professional inorder to avoid incorrect pruning or personal injury.

Step #4: Nutrition

There are several ways to help soil replenish its nutrients in order to help trees and plants thrive. The best way is to have an arborist test the soil and then make recommendations for the soil. There are three main ways to nourish your trees from the roots up.

  • Compost: This is an active way for a homeowner to participate in recycling their food waste and helping their garden. Decaying vegetable, fruit, and plant matter returning to soil mimics the natural process that occurs in the wild.
  • Fertilizer: Composed of different amounts of the three most needed nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These should not be used on young trees. They are a bit like a vitamin boost, and should be used sparingly.
  • Mulch: Organic mulch, like compost, imitates the natural cycle of decay that happens in forests every day. It also acts as an insulation to prevent moisture loss and to shield against extreme temperature changes.

Step #5: Watering

Watering should be done after the ground thaws and should be done only on the tree’s roots. Getting water on the trunk, branches and leaves does not increase absorption and does increase the chance of a fungal problem. Water only if the ground is dry and use a soaker hose to allow for slow absorption.

About VI Tree Service

Offering extraordinary client care and affordable pricing throughout Vancouver, BC and beyond, VI Tree Service boasts over 50 years combined experience in tree health care. Call them today for a free estimate.