As the weather begins to brighten and the trees start to blossom, it’s safe to say that we are finally in the midst of spring! As such, there’s no better time than now to get outside and prepare your garden for the spring/summer seasons so it can flourish, thrive and achieve its full potential.
Here, we will provide you with our top 10 spring tree care tips to check the condition and health of your trees, keeping your garden looking its best in the upcoming months.
1. Time for a spring clean
Using a rake, collect together and remove any debris beneath the trees, including leaves, twigs or fruit, as these can become a breeding ground for fungal growth.
2. Closely inspect trees and shrubs
During the winter season, your garden can fall victim to the extreme weather, such as sleet, snow and rain. As such, when giving your landscape a spring clean, you should try and remember to take a close look at your trees and shrubs for any damage; seeking the help and advice of a fully trained arborist, such as Artemis, will determine whether treatments or complete removal are required.
3. Coming into leaf
When inspecting the trees in your garden, make sure to check whether there are any parts of trees which are not coming into leaf as this can indicate that they are dead.
4. Check for pests and diseases
When cleaning your garden and closely inspecting your trees and shrubs, it’s worth making yourself familiar with the different pests and diseases which can wreak havoc on your landscape. Check with an experienced arborist, such as Artemis, to find out which types of pests and diseases your trees are at risk of falling victim to.
5. Removing pests and diseases
On smaller trees, pests such as caterpillars can be removed with ease by hand, but keep an eye out for Oak Processionary moths which can trigger asthma attacks, fevers and severe skin rashes in their caterpillar stage when the hairs on their bodies are very toxic. If your trees are suffering from an infestation of aphids or spider mites, a blast with the garden hose should do the trick! If the problem persists, make sure you contact a fully qualified arborist, such as Artemis, as quickly as possible.
6. Mulch your garden
Mulch is used in the garden to retain moisture and abolish weeds; this is particularly important when caring for younger trees. It’s worth noting that laying mulch against the tree trunk will retain moisture and heat, which can encourage fungal growth, so make sure you apply the layer around the bottom of the tree, not up the trunk.
7. Prune your trees
Although the perfect time to prune most trees is during the winter when the tree is dormant, you can remove any dead, damaged or broken branches in spring to help encourage new growth. Cherry trees and willow trees in particular flourish and thrive after a proper pruning.
8. Fertilise your trees and plants
Applying a slow-release fertiliser to your plants will replace nutrients and boost their resistance to damage caused by diseases, insects and the elements. Try and incorporate this into your annual routine to keep your trees and plants in a healthy condition.
9. Watering your trees
Watering your trees during the winter months when the soil is frozen can lead to runoff as the water cannot absorb into the soil properly. As the weather starts to get warmer in the lead up to the spring/summer seasons and the soil has thawed, there’s no better time to start watering your trees to encourage good leaf and shoot development.
10. Planting new trees
Not only is spring the perfect time to look after your existing trees, but it also provides the perfect opportunity to plant new ones, too. For expert advice on where, when and how to plant a new tree properly, simply contact a professional arborist, such as Artemis.
Our Services
Here at Artemis Tree Services, we are one of the leading specialists in the tree work industry serving both domestic and commercial customers throughout Rickmansworth, Watford, Harrow and the wider London area. Established in 1998, our arborists have honed their skills to provide a service based on professionalism, quality and value for money. Our services include:
We are dedicated to transforming the look and functionality of your garden with our comprehensive range of services – simply get in touch with our expert team today to find out more!
