Caring for a young tree isn’t all too difficult but there are a few tips you will want to keep in mind.
One of the more common landscaping projects that you might be considering is the addition of a tree to your yard. This is a great idea because trees provide loads of benefits, including increasing your home’s value. They also tend to be mostly self-sufficient, however a good tree care routine will go a long way towards making sure your young trees grow strong and healthy.
Clean
Most of us devote a good part of our time to cleaning up where we live, and trees appreciate that too. Take some time to clean up any debris from the ground around the roots and trunk. This is not just trash, but also leaves, fallen branches, and fallen fruit. Cleaning this stuff up also gives you the chance to inspect the trunk for disease or insect damage. Catching these things early is the best way to make sure your tree stays healthy. Finally, remove anything that is wrapped around the trunk or branches. This could be holiday lights or decorations, wires, strings, rope, or ribbon. Leaving anything wrapped around the tree as it grows could cause damage in the long run.
Mulch
A layer of mulch can help the tree retain moisture and nutrients to grow lush and strong. Mulch also inhibits weed growth, protecting the tree from other plants that could steal the nutrients from the soil (bonus: you can spend less time pulling weeds). Spread a layer of 3-4 inches of mulch around the base of the tree, but not right up against the trunk. Mulch that lays directly up against the trunk can trap heat and cause damage.
Prune
During the winter most trees are dormant, meaning that growth slows or stops for a time, and this is typically the best time to prune. However, anytime your trees are in danger of losing branches, which could damage them or the rest of your property, you should prune them for safety. Any branches that are damaged or dead should be removed. Typically these are branches that lack leaves or look dry and brittle when the rest of the tree is healthy. An arborist can help you identify dangerous or diseased limbs if you are unsure.
Water
While young trees often require more water than older trees, beware of too much of a good thing. If your sprinkler system is causing there to be sitting water that pools at the foot of the tree or the leaves are continually wet, make adjustments to it. While excessive watering is not quite as disastrous as flooding, too much water can lead to fungal growth and rot.
Tree Care and Maintenance from Harford Tree
Ready to have the beautiful yard you have always dreamed of? Harford Tree Experts & Landscaping, Inc has been in the business for decades, providing customers with quality work and quick responses all at the right price. We service the areas of Harford County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City areas including Bel Air, Fallston, Perry Hall, Towson, Essex, Parkville, White Marsh and Middle River.
For service during business hours, reach out to us or give us a call at 410-592-7321. We offer 24/7 emergency serviceas well, just give us a call at 443-250-6649. For updates about our business and more informative tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.