Edmonton Spring Tree Care Tips
Spring is finally here! Now that third winter is over and done with, we can finally dust off the BBQ and get back to enjoying the outdoors without having to bundle up to stay warm or sludge through that freezing cold white stuff. Of course, after months of harsh cold weather, your yard is looking a little rough, and your trees can use a little TLC. Proper tree care in the spring can help set them up for success in the summer, allowing them to get the most out of this year's growing season.
In order for you to get the most enjoyment from your outdoor space, there are a number of things you need to do to help get your yard up to stuff and improve your outdoor living space. Here are our top spring tree care tips from our Edmonton arborists to help you transform your yard this spring.
It's (Spring) Clean Up Time!
Much like your indoor living space, your outdoor living space needs a good clean, especially after the long winter months, where fallen leaves, trash and other debris accumulated under the piles of snow.
Getting rid of any trash and dead plant material that accumulated in your garden since last fall will help you see what survived, and provide you with a fresh canvas to create this year’s garden retreat.
Plan Out Your Garden Layout
Due to Northern Alberta’s harsh and long winters, chances are something died in your garden over the winter, leaving a hole in your landscape. Spring is an ideal time for planting, so whether you are removing dead trees, replacing dead plants, or have just moved in and want to create your dream garden, it’s important to ensure that everything has its own space.
Trees have large root systems, and need space to grow. Grouping them too closely together can hinder growth and cause competition for resources such as water and nutrients in the soil. Proper spacing of trees is important to support their healthy development and prevent overcrowding. Additionally, planting smaller plants like bushes or flowering shrubs too close to your trees can cause issues such as reduced air flow and sunlight, which can negatively impact the health of both the trees and the smaller plants.
When planting or moving things around, ensure that you are giving everything adequate space to grow. Remember, it may look small now, but it will grow.
Pictures of your yard and garden from the height of the last growing season can help you better map out where things can go and what needs room, or consult with our professional arborists to ensure your trees have enough room to grow.
Prepare Your Soil
Chances are, you’re going to want to plant things this spring. Maybe you want to even put in a new tree. Testing your soil provides valuable insights into nutrient levels, leading to improved plant and tree health. You can pick up kits at your local garden centre, or ask our expert arborists how you can get the most out of your soil.
Fertilize To Provide Needed Nutrients
All plants need nutrients, especially trees. Fertilizing your trees in the spring can provide them with essential nutrients to help support healthy growth and development. It's important to select a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for trees and follow the application instructions carefully.
Additionally, it's important to consider the tree's age and species when choosing the right fertilizer, as different trees have different nutrient requirements. Regular fertilization can not only promote healthy leaf and root development but also improve overall resistance to diseases and pests.
Proper Watering Techniques Go Deep
With winter over and the ground unfrozen, you’ll need to start regularly watering your plants. As the warmer weather approaches, water is needed to prevent your soil from drying out and keep your plants healthy. Trees are no exception to this rule. They require adequate hydration to thrive during the spring and summer months. Providing enough water will help their roots establish properly and support their growth for the upcoming season.
Ensure you are hitting your trees with enough water during your watering rounds. Or, if you have irrigation, ensure it is functioning properly and providing enough water for your trees. If your trees are not being covered by your irrigation system, talk to your provider about adding them to your system. It will save you a lot of time and effort once the hot weather is here.
Inspect for Damaged Trees And Diseased Trees
Winter weather is harsh, and your yard will often take the brunt of it in your home. Now that spring is here, you’ll need to check out your yard for damage. In addition to dead plants, some things you’ll want to keep an eye out for include:
- Broken branches or tree limbs
- Split trunks
- Dead branches
- Signs of tree diseases, pest infestations, or fungal growth
Our ISA-certified arborists can inspect your trees, and help you come up with a tree care plan, as well as address any issues they may find. Remember, a healthy tree is a happy tree.
Install Fresh Mulch To Support Tree Health
Mulch is a protective layer of material that is spread over the surface of the soil to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Placing a layer of mulch around the perimeter of trees and shrubs can help protect them from damage caused by equipment such as lawn mowers, and protect tree roots from extreme temperatures and maintain soil moisture levels, which will be very beneficial this year, considering much of Alberta is expecting to experience drought conditions this year.
Be sure that you leave space around your tree’s trunk to prevent the growth of fungi. Speak to our tree care experts about proper mulch management for your trees.
Perform Structural Pruning To Get Rid of Unsightly Branches
Regular pruning of branches and twigs from trees can help improve overall tree health. Not only are you getting rid of any dead branches or cumbersome limbs, proper pruning can help prevent the spread of disease and infections, as well as encourage better air circulation and light penetration throughout the tree canopy. This promotes overall tree vigor and reduces the risk of structural damage during storms.
Consult an arborist about the best tree pruning practices for your specific tree species and age, as improper techniques can harm the tree's long-term health. They can also offer guidance on when to prune, as some trees have specific pruning windows to maximize their growth potential and minimize stress.
