By onthehouse on February 11, 2018
You may be looking out of your window at your yard and wondering, “where am I even going to start”. Bayeradvanced.com released an article that says, “trees are low-maintenance, not no-maintenance” and they are the right place to start. When it comes to spring care, tree maintenance should be high on your priority list. Here are six easy steps to taking care of your trees once spring arrives.
- Start by cleaning up. Take down any holiday decorations that may still be up and rake up around the base of the tree.
- Follow that up with some mulch. A layer of mulch will not only help maintain moisture, but it will also assist in keeping those unwanted weeds out.
- Next, give your trees a good watering– especially in those areas where the de-icing product was used. This may also be a good time to check your sprinkler systems for leaks or clogs.
- Then, give your trees a trim. Now that the leaves are beginning to unfurl it will be easy to locate and remove any dead, or damaged tree branches.
- After you give your trees their spring haircut, take some time to inspect their trunks. If there are any signs of disease or excessive damage, call Hometown Tree Experts at 301-250-1033 if you are in the Howard/Montgomery Counties of Maryland or nearby area.
- Finally, find out if there are any new or existing pests that may threaten your trees. If so, make sure you’re taking the proper steps to keep your trees safe.
A Spring Timeline for Maryland Yards
Spring care works best when it follows the season. As the ground thaws in early spring, clear debris, refresh mulch, and prune any remaining deadwood before new growth hardens. As buds break, watch closely for pests and disease, since many problems are easiest to treat when caught early. By late spring, established trees benefit from a deep watering during dry stretches, especially trees planted within the last few years that have limited root systems.
Pests to Watch in the DMV
Several pests are active across Maryland and the wider region. The emerald ash borer has devastated ash trees, so any ash showing canopy thinning or D shaped exit holes should be evaluated promptly. The spotted lanternfly has spread through the area and feeds on many trees, including the invasive tree of heaven, maples, and fruit trees. Bagworms and scale insects also appear in spring. Identifying a pest early gives you the most treatment options and the best chance of saving the tree.
If you notice unusual leaf loss, insects, or dieback this spring, our certified arborists can diagnose the cause. Call Hometown Tree Experts at 301-250-1033 or learn about our tree disease and treatment service.