Tree health care experts of British Columbia share tree care tips for spring.
Avoid Overwatering Your Trees As They Start to Bud and Grow
Giving your plants an advantageous and healthy growing season isn’t just about watering them. In fact, there is danger in relying too heavily on water when caring for your landscaping and garden trees. Overwatering can harm a tree just as easily as letting it dry out. As the growing season gets into full swing this May, consider carefully other ways to give your home’s plants and trees a boost.
To Water or Not To Water? That is the Question
Everyone knows that water is essential for life. All plants and trees need water, but there is a difference between the needs of young, newly planted trees and established and mature trees. Both may need watering, but the younger trees will need more consistent attention. Too much water can cause root damage and prevent the tree from reaching its full growth potential.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when watering trees:
- Rainfall should count as watering. No supplemental water is needed if the soil is getting plenty of rain.
- Use a soaker hose for a slow, deep watering that reaches the deep roots.
- Do not soak the root bulb or trunk. Water away from the trunk.
- Allow the soil to dry between waterings.
Other Options for Pampering Plants
Since overwatering, particularly early in the spring, is a concern, amateur gardeners should turn their attention to other things they can do to help their trees to thrive. Plants cannot live on water alone; they also need nutrients that only the sun and soil can provide.
Listed below are some ways to give your trees that extra bit of help:
- Organic mulch: Mulch is helpful for maintaining soil moisture as well as soil temperature. This makes those watering last longer and organic mulch actually adds nutrients to the soil as it decays.
- Fertilizer: A sprinkling of fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season is an excellent way to help established trees. It replenishes the soil nutrients to increase growth, strength, and disease resistance.
- Pruning: Removing obviously dead branches helps keep a tree healthy and can prevent the spread of pests or diseases to other parts of the tree.
- Brush Clearing: Removing the organic matter that was deposited in the fall and winter can do more than just keep the yard tidy. It can prevent pest infestation and the spread of fungal infections.
Consult An Arborist
One of the best ways a homeowner can help their residential trees and plants to flourish is to consult an arborist. Whether a tree is healthy and simply needs some tree trimming, or is dying and has the potential to be saved by a tree risk assessment, an arborist has the training and education to give your trees what they need. From pruning to tree removal, your local tree service company can do everything to maintain your property value and keep your yard looking splendid.
About My Tree Service
My Tree Service of Your Area, BC does it all when it comes to trees. We offer both reliable emergency service, with fully insured and highly trained technicians, and arborist consultations to make sure your trees are thriving. Call us today for full tree service in the Your Area area.