Spring is a season of renewal, and for trees, it’s a critical period of growth and rejuvenation. Caring for your trees during this time should be part of your spring lawn care. This is not only an act of stewardship but also an investment in your landscape and curb appeal.

    In this article, we’ll explore the essential spring tree care tips for nurturing your trees in spring. Following these steps will ensure your trees thrive and provide shade and grace to your surroundings throughout the year.


    1. Start With a Good Cleanup

    Begin spring tree care by clearing debris around trees. Use a rake to remove fallen leaves, twigs, and yard waste. This reduces the risk of disease and deters pests like carpenter ants. It also prepares the area for mulching.

    2. Add a Fresh Layer of Mulch

    Next, add 2–3 inches of shredded bark mulch around trees. Mulch moderates soil temperature, maintains moisture, and prevents weeds. Leave a 2–3 inch gap between the mulch and the trunk to prevent fungal issues and promote new growth. 

    3. Water Thoroughly

    Spring is ideal for deep-watering young and new trees before summer. Mature trees also benefit after dry winter months. Check irrigation systems and make repairs. Proper watering is key as trees emerge from dormancy.

    4. Prune Branches

    Inspect trees and prune dead, damaged, or broken branches. Diseased or dead branches can damage surrounding branches. Removing them also encourages healthy growth by allowing light to reach healthy branches. To avoid shock, don’t remove over 25% of the canopy at once.

    5. Inspect Tree Trunks

    Check trunks and branches for disease, cracks, rot, or insect damage. Consult an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist promptly if you find extensive issues. They can advise on care, but sometimes tree removal is the only option to preserve other healthy trees. 

    6. Check for Pests

    Research common spring pests. Apply preventive oils or pesticides before infestations escalate. Look for chewed leaves, sawdust, sap, curled foliage, and a cotton-like film on leaves. Catching pests early makes treatment more effective.

    Today’s Homeowner Tips

    I’ve found that many homeowners neglect this step because they don’t realize the negative impact that pests can have. Pests don’t just damage the tree itself. They also impact soil moisture around the base of the tree. If you believe you have pests chewing away at the tree roots, it’s very important that you address it right away. 


    Additional Tips

    • Prune suckers and sprouts from the trunk base. They divert nutrients and energy.
    • Scrape lichen and moss off trunks. This prevents damage.
    • Apply horticultural oils to deter aphids, mites, and scale. Two applications spaced 10–14 days apart can provide full control.
    • Wrap young trees to prevent sunscald and mower damage.
    • Test and amend soil as needed. Follow fertilizer label directions.
    • Prune low branches up to 8 feet for clearance beneath the canopy.
    • Remove old ropes, cables, and wires from the trunk to avoid damage.
    • Rake back mulch before fertilizing to avoid burning roots.
    • Watch for rodent damage and use guards to protect trunks.

    So, Is Proper Spring Tree Care Worth It?

    Caring for trees starting in early spring provides a foundation for healthy growth all season. While diligent upfront care is required, you’ll reap the rewards of beautiful, thriving trees. 

    Preventative maintenance can also help avoid costly diseases or pest issues down the road. Overall, investing in proper spring tree care exponentially benefits trees long-term.

    When the growing season comes around, don’t hesitate to contact a professional tree service for help. 

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    FAQs About Spring Tree Care

    How often should I mulch trees?

    Refresh mulch each spring. Remove the old mulch and replace it with 2–3 inches of fresh material.


    When is best for pruning?

    Prune in late winter or early spring when the trees are dormant. Avoid heavy pruning in the fall.


    Should trees be fertilized in spring?

    The best time to fertilize trees is in the spring or late fall. Fertilizer usually isn’t needed for mature trees, but it can help establish newly planted trees. Use slow-release granular products.


    What signs indicate professional tree care is needed?

    Issues like dead branches, stunted growth, pest droppings, fungi, or cracked bark signal it’s time to call an ISA-certified arborist for assessment and care advice.



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    avatar for Coty Perry

    Coty Perry

    Expert Writer & Reviewer

    Coty Perry is a lawn and garden writer for Today’s Homeowner. He focuses on providing homeowners with actionable tips that relate to the “Average Joe” who is looking to achieve a healthier and greener lawn. When he isn’t writing he can almost always be found coaching youth football or on some trail in Pennsylvania in search of the next greatest fishing hole.

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    Casey Daniel

    Casey Daniel is a writer and editor with a passion for empowering readers to improve their homes and their lives. She has written and reviewed content across multiple topics, including home improvement, lawn and garden care, sustainability, and health and wellness. When she’s not reviewing articles, Casey is usually playing board games, repainting her bathroom, or quilting.

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