Proper Tree Care
Your trees will flourish when they are receiving the right care. Although care can sometimes vary based upon type of tree, the basics of watering, mulching, and pruning can be applicable for most. For optimal results for your trees, schedule a checkup with one of our arborists at 770-Tree-Guy to ensure your trees are in good health. We can also provide more specific advice for care in between our visits.
- Mulching — Mulch is beneficial for protecting your trees, especially newly planted trees. With the proper layer of mulch, your trees’ roots will be protected from the elements, weeds will be choked out preventing root competition, moisture will be retained to keep your roots hydrated, and your soil will not become too compacted. A little mulch goes a long way so do not overdo it. Generally speaking, a 2-3-inch-deep circle around your tree, but not touching the trunk, will be sufficient. For more information, visit our previous blog to learn more about mulching.
- Watering — Hello hydration! Your trees need watering to stay hydrated, but the exact amount can vary based upon tree type and climate. Here are a couple of guidelines for watering trees effectively: 1. If you just planted a new tree, water right away and keep the stream of water going for about 30 seconds. 2. In the first two years of a tree’s life, the growth process expends a lot of energy so the tree can become dried out more easily. Make sure to get the water deep into the roots and then have a mulch covering to help the tree retain the moisture. 3. There is such a thing as too much water. Your roots need to be moist, not soggy. If you take your finger and did it about two inches down into the dirt and the dirt is still quite moist, you can wait a little longer to water again.
- Pruning — Although removing dead branches or doing light pruning is usually fine year-round, there are a few considerations for pruning based upon the season. Winter — Pruning during dormancy can produce a burst of life in the spring. Ideally, you need to wait until the coldest part of winter has already passed. In Georgia, typically January and February bring our coldest temperatures so plan accordingly. Summer — After a tree’s seasonal growth is complete, this can be a good time to correct an uneven shape in your tree by strategic pruning. Think of summer pruning for corrective purposes mostly. Spring — When the flowers fade on a tree, this is a good time for pruning. Pruning at this point can encourage improved results in the next flowering season. Fall — Leave your pruning shears put away. At this time of the year, your trees will be slower to heal and could be exposed to fungi.
In addition to the practices mentioned above, your trees can greatly benefit from wintertime fertilization completed by our team of tree experts. We do soil drenches and deep root injections to introduce fertilizer and beneficial bacteria and fungus into your soil, which helps keep your soil and roots healthy. This process helps your roots soak up the nutrients and moisture needed to help your trees stay healthy year-round.
Trees will be their best when cared for by professionals who understand them on a deep level. With a team guided by certified arborists, we are prepared to guide you on ideal tree care. We can help you find the perfect care plan to help your trees flourish in every season. As the weather finally starts to cool off, contact 770-Tree-Guy to schedule your wintertime fertilization.
