Landscaping your yard might be one of your most satisfying activities as a homeowner. And, if you do it right, your efforts can add significant value to your home. But, as the seasons change, are you supposed to do something different? In fact, you are. There’s a lot to remember about seasonal tree care, so it helps to have a certified arborist in your corner that can give you some sound advice. Here is a useful seasonal tree care guide to help you out as the temperatures change.
Fall Tree Care (September – November)
Rake Fallen Tree Leaves
Fungi that bring diseases might be hiding under those pretty leaves surrounding your trees. Get rid of the leaves before winter comes by raking them up and removing them from your yard.
Plant New Trees
Fall is the best time of the year to plant new trees since there is less chance of the new growth dying due to drought or too much sun.
Fertilize Your Trees
Keep your trees healthy and free from winter damage in the coming months by properly fertilizing them.
Mulch Around Trees
Mulch about 2-3 inches deep around your existing trees to help insulate the roots from the cold and help the soil retain organic matter and moisture.
Prune, Cable, and Treat Trees
Prep your trees for winter weather by pruning dead branches, cabling them for support, and applying anti-desiccants when needed.
Inspect Trees Before Winter
When the leaves have fallen off your trees in the late fall, this is the perfect time for your annual tree inspection that can spot any potential issues requiring attention.
Winter Tree Care (December – February)
Wrap Any Newly-Planted Trees
If you have any young or new trees, it’s a good idea to wrap them during the winter months to prevent sunscald, which is an ailment that can cause the bark to dry out and crack.
Prune Trees While Dormant
When your trees become dormant during the winter, this is the best time to prune them so that they have time to heal.
Spray Evergreens with Anti-Desiccants
If you have any Evergreen trees, winter weather can subject them to moisture loss and windburn. You can prevent some of these issues by spraying them with anti-desiccants.
Prevent Wildlife Damage
Deer damage alone is equal to more than $2 billion each year. If you have deer in your area, it’s a good idea to consider a deer protection program to keep your trees and shrubs safe.
Spring Tree Care (March – May)
Fertilize Your Trees
Apply fertilizer to your trees in the spring to give them extra nutrients and stimulate new growth.
Use Preventative Fungicide
The cool and moist weather in the winter and spring can be catalysts for fungal diseases like Root Rot, Anthracnose, and Leaf Spot. Have preventative fungicide spray applied to prevent these problems.
Mulch Around Your Trees
It’s time to mulch around your trees again so that the roots and soil will retain moisture. Keep it up to 3 inches deep and avoid touching the tree’s base.
Water Your Trees
Trees begin developing new growth in the spring, so they need plenty of water. The extra hydration can also help flush out any toxicity.
Watch for Shrub and Tree Pests
When the temperatures warm, diseases and insects come into play. Keep an eye on your trees so that you can address any issues quickly.
Summer Tree Care (June – August)
Aerate Your Trees
The soil around your trees can compact if the climate is too dry. You can rely on an experienced arborist to use the right tools to fracture your soil and create space where nutrients can thrive.
Prune Problem Branches
Summer is the ideal time to take another look at any dead or problem branches so that you can prune them before they get worse or crash to the ground.
Treat Trunks of Ash and Elm Trees
You can have a tree professional treat certain types of trees for common diseases. For example, you’ll want to protect Ash trees from Emerald Ash Borer and Elms from Dutch Elm Disease.
Re-Apply Mulch if Needed
Sometimes foot traffic and heavy rain can wash away your mulch. If you don’t still have about 3 inches around your trees, it’s time to re-apply.
Watch for Shrub and Tree Pests
The warm weather is the perfect environment for insects and other critters that might want to damage your trees. Keep a close eye out for them and act quickly.
Keep Trees Watered
Hot temperatures can also dehydrate your trees. Water them with a “dribble” setting for 2-3 hours at a time and do this at least twice or as needed.
If you don’t feel qualified to inspect and maintain the trees on your property, that’s ok. Rather than making an error that could damage your trees, it’s best to trust this job to an expert. Our certified tree professionals are tree care experts for any and every season, so you can count on us to take care of safety, tree health, and aesthetic issues with your landscaping.
When you’re looking for an experienced arborist in Myrtle Beach, SC, give us a call at 843-651-TREE and contact us for the best customer care and tree service in the area.