Introduction
Spring is finally here—and your trees are feeling it, too. After a long winter of snow, wind, and freezing temperatures, they’re ready to wake up and stretch into a new growing season. But before they can thrive, a little springtime attention goes a long way. Whether you’re dealing with towering oaks, young saplings, or decorative trees in your yard, here are some simple spring tree care tips to help them start the season strong.
1. Check for Signs of Winter Damage
Winter can be hard on trees, even the hardy ones. Before everything starts leafing out, take a few minutes to walk around your yard and really look at your trees.
Keep an eye out for:
- Dead or hanging branches
- Cracks in the trunk (especially vertical ones from frost)
- Exposed roots or trees leaning more than usual
- Any fungal growth or odd textures on the bark
If something seems off, it’s best to bring in a professional. The sooner you catch a problem, the easier (and usually cheaper) it is to fix.
2. Do Some Light Pruning
Early spring is prime time for pruning most trees. Since the leaves haven’t fully grown in yet, it’s easier to see the structure of the tree and spot branches that need to go.
Focus on pruning:
- Dead or damaged limbs
- Branches that cross or rub
- Any growth that’s getting too close to your home, shed, or power lines
If you’re unsure what should be trimmed or worried about doing more harm than good, that’s where a certified arborist comes in handy. It’s worth it for the long-term health of the tree.
3. Clean Up the Area Around Your Trees
A bit of spring cleanup around the base of your trees helps them breathe and grow better. Rake out old leaves, twigs, or mulch that’s piled too high around the trunk.
Pro tip: Keep mulch about 2–3 inches deep and make sure it’s not touching the bark. That “volcano” look around the base? Not great for your tree.
4. Book a Tree Health Inspection
Spring is a great time to schedule a professional checkup for your trees. Think of it as a wellness visit. An arborist can spot early signs of disease or insect activity, check the overall structure, and give you helpful tips for the months ahead.
A spring tree inspection can help you:
- Catch problems early
- Prevent future storm damage
- Create a plan for long-term health and maintenance
5. Get Ahead of the Bugs
Warmer temps mean bugs are waking up, too. And unfortunately, some of them love trees—borers, aphids, and mites, just to name a few.
How to stay ahead of pest problems:
- Keep trees healthy with regular watering and mulching
- Monitor for signs of pest activity, like chewed leaves or small holes in bark
- Talk to a pro about preventive treatments if pests are common in your area
Conclusion
Spring is the season of fresh starts—and your trees deserve one, too. With just a little early-season care, you’ll help them grow stronger, healthier, and more beautiful as the months go on. And if you’d rather not go it alone, Environmental Advantage is here to help. Our certified arborists can take care of everything from inspections to pruning, so your trees get exactly what they need this spring.
Ready to schedule a visit?
Contact us today at Environmental Advantage and let’s get your trees set up for a great season.