There are more than 220 billion trees across the United States and every single one of these plays a vital role in creating our environments. They release oxygen into the air, create shade for other plants to grow, and form homes for local wildlife.
So looking after any trees on your land is vital. Dead trees can pose a serious danger to anyone around them and can cost over $1,000 to remove. Thankfully, there are plenty of things you can do to care for your trees in the best way possible.
Want to know how to take care of trees? Well, you’re in the right place! Read on to find out our top tree care tips.
How to Care for Newly Planted Trees
When it comes to tree maintenance, you should start as you mean to go on. Giving a new tree a good start is vital if it is going to thrive.
Putting mulch down around a new tree will help to:
- Insulate the soil
- Retain water around the roots
- Keep out weeds
- Stop the soil compacting
- Reduce lawn mover damage
To lay mulch around your tree, you should remove the first 2-4 inches of soil within 3-feet of your tree’s trunk. Then lay your mulch in this shallow trench. It is very important that the mulch does not touch the trunk of the tree so make sure you leave a small gap around it.
Watering Your Trees
Newly-planted trees will need regular watering as they use a lot of energy to establish their roots. However, it is important not to over or under-water your trees.
Feeling the soil around your trees is the best way to figure out how much water they need. The soil should be moist but not soggy. If the soil feels dry then your tree needs watering.
It is also worth checking the soil below the ground’s surface as this has a big impact on your tree’s health. Dig two inches into the soil and feel the ground there to get a better understanding of how much water your tree needs.
Some trees, such as drought-tolerant species, do not need as much water as others. This is why it’s important to understand each tree’s individual needs before taking care of your trees.
Pruning Your Trees
Pruning is a great way to keep your trees looking vibrant and to get rid of any deadwood. You can do this in summer or winter but you should never prune a tree in fall.
If you prune in winter, wait until the coldest temperatures have passed. This is a great way to ensure new growth in the spring.
You can prune in summer to help direct your tree’s growth. If you want to do this, you should wait until the springtime growth spurt has finished.
Get Help Following These Tree Care Tips
Knowing what each tree in your garden needs is vital if you are going to care for them properly. This is why it is important to check in with them regularly and deal with any issues as soon as they arise.
If you are concerned about one of your trees or want more tree care tips, get in touch today. We’re here to help!
