Spring is “springing”, and it’s the perfect time to give your trees and shrubs the attention they deserve. Proper care during the spring season sets the stage for healthy growth, lush foliage, and vibrant blooms throughout the year. Take a moment to review our comprehensive spring to-do list to ensure your trees and shrubs thrive all season long.

Inspect Your Trees and Shrubs

The first step in spring tree and shrub care is to perform a thorough inspection. Walk around your yard and assess the condition of your trees and shrubs. Look for signs of damage from winter storms or pests, such as broken branches, cracked bark, or unusual growth patterns. Pay attention to the following:

• Dead or Damaged Branches: Winter can cause significant damage to tree limbs and shrub branches. Broken or dead wood can invite disease and pests, so it’s important to remove it early to prevent further harm.
• Pest Infestation: Look for signs of pests like aphids, caterpillars, or borers. These can weaken the structure of your trees and shrubs if left unchecked.
• Diseases: Check for unusual spots on leaves or bark, which could indicate fungal or bacterial infections. Early detection is key to managing diseases effectively.

If you notice any signs of trouble, it’s best to contact a professional tree service to evaluate the situation and recommend the proper treatment.

Prune Your Trees and Shrubs

Spring is an excellent time for pruning your trees and shrubs. Pruning helps to promote healthy growth by removing dead or diseased branches and encouraging new shoots. Here are some essential tips for spring pruning:

• Prune Early-Flowering Shrubs: If you have shrubs that bloom early in the season (like forsythia, lilacs, or azaleas), prune them after they finish flowering. Cutting them back too early can remove the buds that will produce flowers.
• Remove Dead or Diseased Wood: Any dead or diseased branches should be pruned to prevent them from affecting the rest of the plant. Prune at a slight angle to avoid water accumulation, which can lead to rot.
• Thin Crowded Areas: If your trees or shrubs have thick, crowded branches, thinning them out allows for better air circulation and light penetration, reducing the risk of diseases like mildew or mold.
• Shape and Maintain Structure: For non-flowering trees and shrubs, trimming them to maintain shape and size will improve their appearance and overall health. Aim for a natural shape that complements your landscape.

Pruning should always be done carefully, as improper cuts can damage your plants. If you’re unsure how to prune or need assistance, get advice from a certified arborist.

Mulch Around Your Trees and Shrubs

Mulching is an essential task for trees and shrubs, as it helps conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weeds from taking over. Here’s how to properly mulch your plants:

• Use the Right Material: Organic mulches, such as wood chips, bark, or shredded leaves, work best. These materials break down over time and improve soil quality.
• Apply Mulch Properly: Spread the mulch around the base of your trees and shrubs in a layer that is about two to four inches deep. Be sure to leave a gap around the trunk to avoid moisture buildup, which can cause rot.
• Refresh Mulch Annually: Over time, mulch decomposes and settles. Adding a fresh layer each spring helps maintain its benefits.

Proper mulching helps retain moisture and provides nutrients to your trees and shrubs as they start to grow in the spring. Just be mindful not to over-mulch, as this can suffocate the roots.

Fertilize for Healthy Growth

Spring is the ideal time to fertilize your trees and shrubs, as they are entering their growing season. Fertilizing provides essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which promote healthy leaf and root development. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Use the Right Fertilizer: Different plants have different nutritional needs. Choose a fertilizer that is suited to the specific type of tree or shrub you are caring for. For example, fruit trees may require a fertilizer high in potassium, while evergreens benefit from slow-release fertilizers.
• Apply at the Right Time: It’s best to fertilize your trees and shrubs in early spring, just before they begin to put on new growth. This gives them a boost of nutrients when they need it most.
• Avoid Over-Fertilizing: Too much fertilizer can damage your plants and lead to excessive, weak growth. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and avoid applying fertilizer in excess.

If you’re uncertain about the right type or amount of fertilizer to use, Hansen’s Tree Service can guide you to the best choices for your landscape.

Water Properly

As the weather warms up, your trees and shrubs will require more water to keep them hydrated. Proper watering is critical, especially after the dry winter months. Here are some watering tips:

• Deep Watering: Water your trees and shrubs deeply to encourage deep root growth. Shallow watering can lead to weak roots and poor plant health. Aim for watering at least  one to two feet deep, depending on the size of your plants.
• Water Consistently: Spring weather in Missouri can be unpredictable, with some wet weeks and dry spells. Ensure your plants receive consistent moisture, particularly during dry periods.
• Early Morning or Late Evening: The best times to water are in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. This reduces evaporation and ensures the water reaches the roots.

Remember, the amount of water your trees and shrubs need depends on the type of plants, soil, and weather conditions. If you’re unsure about how often to water, a tree care professional can help.

Watch for Emerging Pests and Disease

Spring brings not only new growth but also a resurgence of pests. Keep an eye out for common tree and shrub pests like aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. If left untreated, pests can weaken your plants or even cause them to die. Regular inspections and early treatment are essential to keeping your landscape healthy.

If you notice signs of infestation, such as discolored leaves, sticky residue, or visible bugs, contact a tree care professional to assess the situation and recommend treatments.

We’re Here to Help!

Spring is a critical time for tree and shrub care, and following this to-do list can help you ensure that your plants stay healthy, vibrant, and strong throughout the season. Whether it’s pruning, fertilizing, watering, or protecting against pests, taking proactive steps now will lead to a flourishing landscape all year long.

Our certified arborists and plant care specialists are experts in guiding homeowners through the process of caring for your trees, shrubs and plants. They can assess the health of your trees, make recommendations regarding their care, identify hazards posed by trees or limbs, and if necessary, take them down and eliminate any potential threats. Contact us today! We’re here to help!