What (5) Things Your Trees Need NOW to be Prepared for Spring

February in Macon, Georgia can be beautiful one day and cold and rainy the next. It can make it difficult to know what attention your trees need and when they need it. Everyone wants gorgeous cherry blossoms and other flowering trees come spring, but do you know what it takes to grow them?

In Georgia, the majority of trees are still in their dormant state during the month of February. They are not actively growing which is the best time to provide some TLC. Water, pruning, mulch, fertilizer, and health checks are the best way to make sure your trees stay healthy and thriving. This time of year is ideal to get your trees healthy and in the best shape so once spring comes you have full and vibrant trees on your property.

Water

Keeping the roots of your trees hydrated in the winter months can be a challenge. Depending on the amount of rainfall in your area your trees may need additional watering and deep watering at that. Making sure the tree’s roots are soaked will help them grow and flower when the time’s right. 

A drip system or deep watering can be effective ways to make sure the tree’s roots are cared for. Deep watering targets the root zone, often the area that extends out from the trunk to the outermost branches. These systems allow the water to slowly sink deep enough to hit the roots and provide them with the hydration needed. Deep watering should be performed every 2-4 weeks depending on the amount of rain. 

Pruning

The best time to prune your trees is late winter and early spring. During these times the trees should still be in their dormant state. Pruning this time of year will encourage healthy new growth during spring. Trimming or pruning the old or dead branches also lets more sunlight reach the trunk and ground beneath. And more sunlight means better growth and overall health. Pruning can also promote flowering. If you want to see blooms everywhere, pruning can help!

Be careful though, if you cut too much off the tree you can cause damage that will stunt the tree’s growth and could lead to disease and decay. It’s important to always talk to an expert before pruning. 

Mulch

Mulching is so important because of the benefits it provides to the tree. It’s not only aesthetically pleasing but offers protection from the weather and elements. Adding mulch around the base of your trees will help keep your trees well-hydrated. The mulch will conserve the moisture in the soil and help keep the weeds at bay. Adding 2-3 inches of mulch will help regulate soil temperature, keeping the roots of plants cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather. Mulch can also act as a fertilizer. As it decomposes it adds organic matter to the soil, improving soil structure, fertility, and nutrient content.

Fertilizer

Fertilizing the trees in your yard will help provide essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Proper fertilization can lead to improved tree growth, increased resistance to pests and diseases, and improved overall tree health.

Fertilizing can enhance the look of trees by promoting lush foliage and vibrant flower production. If the tree is a fruit-producing tree, after fertilizing it’s common to see an increase in the yield and quality of the fruit. 

Health Check

Now is the perfect time to perform a health check on your trees. Since the trees are dormant, the best way to check the overall health is:

• Check the appearance of the bark. It should be smooth and intact without any cracks or wounds.
• The branches should be strong and well-attached. Ideally, the branches are evenly spaced to prevent overcrowding.
• The crown (or top of the tree) should look balanced and symmetrical. 
• Check the trunk of the tree to make sure it looks stable and is growing straight. 
• Look for signs of damage from birds and other pests like boreholes and other disruptions to the trunk or branches.
• Check for any signs of fungi or mushrooms near the base of the tree. 

Gray Brothers Tree Service for Your Early Spring Tree Care

This time of year in Macon, Georgia can be a bit of a roller coaster when it comes to the weather. Cold nights and warmer days can make it difficult to figure out what your trees need and when they need it. Water, pruning, mulch, fertilizer, and a health check are 5 things that every tree needs to grow and bloom optimally. 

If you want to take the guesswork out of prepping your trees for spring, call the best tree service in the business- Gray Brothers Tree Service. With over 25 years of experience, they know what to look for and what needs to be done. Call today at (478) 475-9021 to talk to a certified arborist to see what your trees need in order to thrive.