Spring Tree Care Checklist: What Your Trees Need After Winter
Spring is the perfect time to take a look at the health of your trees and prepare them for the growing season. After months of winter weather, trees may have some damage or need maintenance to thrive in the warmer months. Here’s a step-by-step spring tree care checklist to keep your trees healthy and strong.
1. Inspect Your Trees for Winter Damage
Winter storms, ice, and heavy snow can cause broken branches, cracks, or other damage.
Here’s what to look for:
✔️ Broken, dead, or hanging branches
✔️ Splits or cracks in the trunk
✔️ Leaning trees that weren’t leaning before
✔️ Signs of disease (fungus, cankers, or peeling bark)
🔹 Tip: If you notice any serious damage, call a professional tree service like Up North Outdoor Services to look at the tree and safely remove hazardous branches.
2. Prune Dead or Damaged Branches
Spring is a great time to remove weak or diseased branches before new growth begins.
Proper pruning:
✔️ Encourages healthy growth
✔️ Improves tree shape and structure
✔️ Reduces the risk of falling branches
🔹 Tip: Some trees, like maples and birches, bleed sap when pruned in early spring, so it’s best to wait until late spring or summer for those. If you’re not sure what type of tree you have, contact a profession to get their advice.
3. Mulch Around the Base
Adding fresh mulch in spring helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weed growth.
Things to remember when mulching:
✔️ Apply a 2-4 inch layer around the tree
✔️ Keep mulch 2-3 inches away from the trunk (avoid "volcano mulching")
✔️ Use organic mulch like wood chips or bark
🔹 Tip: Mulch also provides essential nutrients as it breaks down, improving soil quality.
4. Check for Pests and Diseases
Spring is when many pests and tree diseases come alive.
Some signs to watch for:
✔️ Holes in leaves or bark (insect activity)
✔️ White, black, or orange fungal growths
✔️ Leaf spots or early discoloration
🔹 Tip: Early detection can prevent serious damage. If you spot any issues, a tree professional can recommend the best treatment plan.
5. Water Deeply and Consistently
Spring rainfall can help, but young or stressed trees may need additional watering.
Keep in mind while you water:
✔️ Water deeply once a week if rainfall is scarce
✔️ Aim for slow, deep watering rather than frequent shallow watering
✔️ Avoid overwatering—check soil moisture before adding more
🔹 Tip: Newly planted trees need consistent watering for the first few years to establish strong roots.
6. Fertilize for Strong Growth
A balanced fertilizer provides essential nutrients that trees need after winter dormancy.
Types of fertilizer to use:
✔️ Slow-release fertilizer for steady growth
✔️ Compost or organic matter for natural enrichment
✔️ Soil testing to determine specific nutrient needs
🔹 Tip: Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of root development.
7. Plan for Preventative Maintenance
Spring is the best time to schedule professional tree care services to ensure your trees stay healthy year-round. Services to consider:
✔️ Tree trimming – Removing weak or excess branches
✔️ Deep root fertilization – Boosting nutrient absorption
✔️ Pest and disease management – Preventing long-term damage
🔹 Tip: Regular maintenance prevents costly emergency tree removal later.
Call Up North Outdoor Services for Expert Tree Care
Keeping your trees in top shape requires expert care. At Up North Outdoor Services, we offer professional tree trimming, pruning, and health assessments to keep your trees thriving all year long. Contact us today for a free assessment and let’s get your trees for a strong, healthy season!