Trees may be low-maintenance but they’re not no-maintenance. As self-sufficient as they may appear, healthy trees don’t just happen and young trees could always use a helping hand. Tending to routine tree care can aid in protecting your plants and help them to thrive.

Routine Tree Cleaning

Just like we do inside of our homes, we must make the time to clean up around our trees. So begin your tree maintenance with a little tidying up.

• Remove collected debris from around trees; this includes sticks, leaves, and fallen fruit.
• Once the debris is cleared away, inspect trunk for signs of disease or pest activity. It is crucial to catch these problems early. A certified arborist can assist you.
• Remove holiday lights or any decor that may still be wrapped around trunk and branches. Leaving foreign objects bound to your trees for too long runs the risk of girdling future growth.

Mulch

A good layer of mulch will help to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. This is especially useful for young trees up to 10 years old. It can also help trees absorb needed nutrients to stay healthy and beautiful.

• Keep mulch at about 3-4 inches thick.
• Pull mulch back from the tree trunk, mulch retains heat and moisture that could harm the tree through direct contact.
• Remove competing grass and weeds.

Tree Pruning

Typically, the ideal time to prune is during the winter dormancy months when tree growth is slowed or halted. But any time of year is still a good time to prune trees for structural integrity or to remove limbs that may pose a hazard to people and property. Take the opportunity to identify and remove any damaged, dead, or sick branches. They should be easy to identify due to a lack of leaves on them or they can appear dry and brittle.

• Inspect tree limbs for damage or disease.
• Look for limbs that pose a threat to visibility or property.
• If you are not certain, contact an arborist.

Watering

It is a good idea to take time to make adjustments to your sprinkler system if you’re finding that water is pooling near your trees. Young trees may require more water than their elder counterparts but sitting water or continual water spray onto the foliage can contribute to the growth of fungal diseases and trunk or root rot.

• Adjust sprinklers to avoid direct spraying.
• Remedy soil drainage for pooling water.
• Young trees may require more water.

Connect With a Professional

Get your yard in shape with the help of a skilled and certified arborist. Whether you need tree pruning, maintenance, or complete removal, the specialists at Vintage Tree Care can help you with every step of the way. Call or contact us online today with any questions you may have regarding tree care services. Together we can discuss your landscape needs, identify problem areas, and keep your trees healthy and beautiful. Like the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That definitely applies to young trees and their care.