Spring Tree Care Services. Pruning and Mulch Delivery

It's time to ready your trees and landscape as winter moves into spring. Spring’s tree care services, which include pruning, and mulch delivery, are necessary for strong, healthy trees. Whether you are a homeowner trying to improve the aesthetics of your property, or a business owner overseeing a large parcel of land, proper spring maintenance can do wonders. 

This article aims to educate homeowners and property managers on the key tasks involved in spring tree care, their benefits, and whether to tackle them yourself or hire a professional.

Why Spring is the Best Time for Tree Care

Every tree owner should seize the opportunity provided by the spring season to monitor their trees' growth throughout the year. As the weather gets warmer, trees usually tend to sprout new growth. This change is important for executing maintenance procedures aimed at helping trees recover from winter damages and remain fruitful during the coming hot months.

One of the main reasons springtime poses as the ideal time to take care of trees is healing wounds from pruning is done much easier during active growth. Moreover, fixing structural problems earlier prevents the situation from getting worse, thus, reducing the chances of branch breakage or spread of diseases into and out of the tree later in the year.

Caring for trees in spring has some important advantages that enhance their health and sturdiness in the long term. One of the most notable benefits is that work stress on the trees is eased due to the loosened material, thus letting the tree heal more effectively. As spring approaches, trees are in an active growth cycle and can recuperate more readily from maintenance and pruning. The new growth that emerges during spring, known as "issue growth", refers to the fresh, healthy tissue that forms on the tree after pruning. This new growth helps to seal over the cuts, creating a protective barrier that prevents pathogens, such as fungi or bacteria, from entering the tree and causing infections.

An additional important benefit is enhanced structure and stability. The spring season also gets regular pruning and that greatly helps in the development of a strong tree structure, creating a higher likelihood of weak or overgrown branches snapping due to harsh winds or rain. Balanced external trimming during this period encourages healthy growth and helps trees brace more against the forces from nature. 

Spring maintenance also plays a remarkable role in halting the spread of certain ailments and pests. A higher temperature coupled with moisture yields conditions favorable for pests and fungal infections. Arborists attack this chance affair by early inspection for signs of infestation, and if found, appropriate action is taken, thus alleviating the chances of being afflicted with damage from the disease and insect.

Weather conditions and services

Spring Tree Pruning – Enhancing Growth & Health

Every living tree needs professional maintenance from time to time in the form of trimming. This labor helps control the widening of diseases in trees, outlines their structure, and encourages new growth. When we remove dead or damaged branches, trees utilize the nutrients far more efficiently, and as a result, they grow strong limbs. 

In spring, pruning allows for strong limb development, which aids in controlling growth and weak limb formation for future seasons. This practice also helps push moisture from the air out of the canopy reducing the increased humidity which can lead to the increased risk of fungi infections. This allows the trees to further bolster their resistance to pests and diseases for sustained health in the long run.

Magnolia, Cherry, and Dogwood trees rejoice in spring weather, and while these trees benefit from a spring prune which needs to be done after blooming for maximum effectiveness, upon having their flowers open they also do not wish to be disturbed. Other types of trees, specifically Elms, Maple, and Oaks, while still having the ability to bloom in spring, are also deciduous. So, for these types of woody plants, damaged or hollow limbs need to be removed to foster a strong canopy. This practice also allows trees to strengthen their structure before the warm months.

Before propelling into pruning, we must unlock the prying issue of climate. In Toronto which is rather cold, flowering trees are recommended to be pruned once the frosty temperatures have thawed. In most cases, pruning takes place when the temperature reaches around 10°C. Higher temperatures along with wrong timing can damage the buds and they might not blossom into flowers. Likewise, deciduous trees are set to be pruned when the temperature oscillates between 5°C and 18°C. While higher temperatures mean healing, lower temperatures can stress the tree and result in stasis.

Toronto’s shifting spring weather can cause a whirlwind of problems without warning. Adverse temperature drops and even freezing temperatures can ruin fresh tree pruning. Trees in that phase of growth are much better when warm, stable temperatures are maintained which gives them the chance to recuperate and grow post-pruning.

You may also like: How to prune hydrangea tree

Mulch Delivery & Application – Nourish Your Trees for the Season

Like trees, tree care is equally important. By applying a layer of mulch, one takes an important step toward ensuring proper care of the tree. These factors help in tree growth, protect roots, retain water, provide nourishment, and prevent climatic changes from affecting the tree. In spring, if a fresh layer is added, trees that go through extreme weather changes can deal with soil temperatures while also preventing nutrient-starved weed growth.

There’s no arguing that mulch benefits, but too much care must also be taken while applying. One must take note, and these instructions must be followed, the layer shouldn’t be applied too close to the tree trunk; otherwise, it’ll cause rot. The best way to go around this problem is to place them evenly around the base of the tree trunk which will help the tree cope with harsh weather while also assisting in root development. 

To summarize everything said above, mulch deeply enhances the growing conditions around the tree, retains moisture, and also prevents the nutrients around the tree from being utilized by weeds. Not only do organic mulches like bark, wood chips, and composted leaves help with tree growth, but they also contribute vital nutrients to the soil, enhancing the beneficial microorganisms.

As a rule of thumb, the thickness of an organic layer when applying mulch should be two to four inches thick. Make sure to keep the mulch around the trunk two to three inches back to avoid rotten areas and the growth of fungi. This helps protect important roots and at the same time maintains sufficient air and water balance which is essential for the trees. 

Torontonians need to wait for the ground temperature to warm up to around 5-10 degrees Celsius for optimal mulching. This makes sure soil temperature is stabilized while the risk of frost no longer being an issue. Mulching too early before the ground is unfrozen can hinder root growth due to the soil not being able to warm up sufficiently. Also, mulching during the hotter months can lead to excessive heat being trapped around the base of the tree, resulting in heat shock. 

Be part of the growing number of homeowners in Toronto who have relied on Tree Doctors for landscape improvement with professional mulch applications. Our customers report outstanding results in the health of the trees with trees remaining abundantly green all year round.

Take advantage of 15% off mulch orders of 5+ cubic yards – perfect for moisture retention and vibrant landscapes. Order by April 15th for 10% off any order! Note: Discounts cannot be combined.

Professional Tree Care vs. DIY – What’s Right for You?

Though some chores around the yard can be done by anyone, there is a handful of them that require a certified arborist’s advice. These tasks include heavy-duty mulching, pruning large trees, and managing any disease, all of which need to be done by a professional to avoid potential risks.

Taking care of trees using a professional service ensures that they receive the expert attention needed, increasing their long-term health and reducing the risk of costly damage.

Conclusion – Preparing Your Trees for a Healthy Spring & Beyond

It is best to invest in tree care during spring to ensure healthy growth and resilience in the long term. Pruning, and mulching primary services greatly increase the health of trees while also improving the landscaping’s beauty and achieving greater safety.

Get in touch with Tree Doctors for a completely free estimate. Our certified arborists are available to assist you with habitat management. Your landscape will not only be healthy but will also be appealing due to our professional attention in the coming months.