While it may seem that well-established trees on a person’s property are self-sufficient, most tree service specialists inPalo Alto agree on one point. Healthy trees are cared for and well-maintained, they don’t just happen to get healthy on their own. While many individuals think that trees are low to no-maintenance, quite the opposite is true. There is also a lot to be said for season-based care and maintenance. By keeping your trees healthy each season, your landscape investment will generate a good return.
If you want your trees to get off to a healthier start this spring, these 6 steps will ensure they’re prepared for the upcoming season:
• Clean up your property – fallen fruit and small twigs that fall and accumulate over the winter should be raked up and disposed of. If you leave your holiday lights up well past New Year’s, now would be a good time to take them down and pack them away. Light strands that remain wrapped around trees can result in girdling. Then once the weather starts warming up, remove any wraps that you covered your tree trunks with to protect them from the cold.
• Mulching – a 3” thick layer of mulch is what most tree service experts in Palo Alto advice. Be careful not to put any up against the trunk as this will create a breeding ground for disease. Mulch promotes moisture retention of the soil and helps prevent weeds from growing.
• Watering – wait until you’ve had the last frost and the spring thaw begins (inland areas) to start your watering regimen. Regardless of the cooler temperatures, you never want to let your trees dry out. If you have a bubbler, drip, or sprinkler system (or all 3,) now is the time to check them out and ensure they’re working properly.
In addition to the three tasks above, it’s the also the best time to contact an arborist or tree service specialist in Palo Alto about inspecting your trees for diseases and pests. The winter dormancy period is also the best time to have your trees pruned and trimmed. Be sure to give your trees the once-over before they start budding out. If there is any damage or disease, this is the easiest time to spot it. The arborist is going look it over and explain the treatment plan for the benefit of your trees. That will ensure healthy and properly growing trees on your property.
If by some chance you discover something that just doesn’t look right, trust your instincts and contact an arborist or tree service specialist to come out and inspect your trees.