The changing seasons in Milford, Michigan, present environmental challenges that can stress the trees on your property.
To ensure that they endure and thrive throughout the annual cycle, a seasonal tree care checklist can help you establish a routine that consistently meets your tree’s needs from the spring flourish to the freezing winter. This guide will help you prepare a personalized care plan for your trees for each season.
Spring Tree Care Checklist
As the last winter frost melts away, spring heralds the beginning of the growing season for trees.
Take advantage of this season to boost the growth of your tree while protecting it from threats by fulfilling these tasks:
Spring Cleaning
With the thick blanket of snow gone from your yard, it’s best to get started by cleaning up the mess winter has left behind.
Aside from the dead twigs and fallen leaves, you also want to clear the old mulch on your tree trunk and base.
Inspection and Pruning
When spring arrives, inspect your trees for winter damage.
Bring in a certified arborist to prune any branches that are damaged or diseased before new growth begins.
Take note of when your tree’s pruning schedule is, which is usually every 2-4 years.
The frequency and time will depend on your tree’s condition.
Beware of Pests
A cracked bark, discolored leaves, and other abnormalities may be signs of pest infestation.
Reach out to your local arborist, who can assess the situation and provide your tree with the necessary treatment.
Fertilize and Mulch
Springtime is also the perfect time to boost your tree’s healthy growth.
Putting mulch or a slow-release fertilizer adds nutrients to the soil that your tree can benefit from.
This type of maintenance is one facet of Plant Health Care.
Arborists also provide a faster and more efficient method through deep-root fertilization, which injects the nutrients under the soil and delivers them straight to the underground root system.
Summer Tree Care Checklist
The heat and humidity of Milford’s summer carry both benefits and potential problems for your trees.
Keep your trees healthy and fresh amid the scorching season by following these strategies:
Proper Watering
The dry season requires deep watering to keep your trees well-hydrated.
The water should be applied to the soil slowly, typically through drip irrigation, saturating it to a depth of about 6-12 inches without creating puddles.
Do this at least once a week, twice a week during extreme heat.
Pest Protection
The warm weather also makes pests more active, so be on the lookout for insect infestations.
Prevention efforts are more efficient than treatment.
These include fungicide macro-injections or the introduction of natural predators to protect your tree from diseases that pests carry.
Prepare for Storms
Milford is frequently affected by summer storms, which can pose a threat to the safety of your trees, particularly the new trees on your property.
Obtaining a professional tree risk assessment goes a long way in helping to ensure that your tree doesn’t pose potential hazards, such as falling branches or limbs that come into contact with property or power lines.
After the heavy rain and high winds have subsided, contact your local tree care company to address any compromises on the tree’s structure.
In some instances, severe damage may necessitate the complete removal of a tree.
Fresh Mulch
The sun can dry out the soil at the base of your tree.
Organic mulch helps retain moisture and adds essential nutrients, thereby boosting your soil’s health.
Fall Tree Care Checklist
Autumn is a crucial part of a tree’s annual life cycle, particularly for deciduous trees.
Additionally, it is an ideal time to prepare your trees for the upcoming winter months.
Here are the best practices in tree care when fall arrives.
Planting Trees
Fall is the ideal season to plant trees, as the roots can be fully established before spring and summer arrive.
Plant your new tree during the cool weather, six weeks before the first hard frost is expected to arrive.
Pruning and Watering
With deciduous trees shedding their leaves in the fall, tree inspection becomes much easier, facilitating greater accuracy in pruning.
However, some tree species, such as oak trees, are vulnerable to active pests during this season.
Waiting until winter can be more beneficial.
Deep watering is also recommended during the fall.
This ensures that the soil has enough moisture before freezing temperatures hinder the water penetration.
Wrap for Winter
In the late fall, young trees need protection from the upcoming winter’s sunscald and heavy snow.
Use burlap wraps on your trees and remove them during the early spring.
Fertilizers
It’s also essential to enhance soil health before winter to ensure your tree receives enough nutrients during its dormancy.
Winter Tree Care Checklist
In the winter months, trees have to endure the cold and all that comes with it.
With your help, a tree can make it through winter and thrive come spring.
Clear the Snow
The weight of snow can result in broken or bent branches.
This is also why wrapping young trees with burlap in the late fall is a smart move.
If you see your mature trees struggling under a heavy blanket of snow, gently shake them to remove the stress from their branches.
Protect from Road Salt
Road salt is used for road safety, but its overuse has Milford residents concerned due to its impact on nearby lakes and vegetation.
If your tree is near the road, its health is at risk.
Use mulch or other barriers to keep the salt from affecting your tree’s growth.
Safer Pruning
Winter is also a safer season for pruning because many pests also lie dormant during this time.
This reduces the risk of disease from the pests that are usually attracted to your tree’s open wounds.
Oak tree work should be done this time of the year.
Anti-Desiccant Spray
Anti-desiccant sprays can be used on evergreen trees that retain their canopy throughout the year.
The sprays create a barrier that locks in the moisture in the leaves, keeping them hydrated even in cold winter.
Team Up with Milford’s Trusted Arborists
Trees are constantly exposed to the elements.
With a checklist of tree maintenance services for every season, you’re set to support your tree’s healthy growth from January to December.
Need expert tree services in Milford, Michigan, and its surrounding areas?
Trust Ascension Tree Care’s team of ISA-certified arborists.
Our seasoned experts provide a wide range of services, from addressing your specific tree needs to creating comprehensive Plant Health Care (PHC) programs, all to help your property thrive through its strong and healthy trees.
