Tree Care Tips
Spring is a good time for transplanting. Fall
is a good time for planting. When transplanting, many roots are often lost. The spring allows foliar growth to
help support damaged roots, and allow for establishment before summer. When trees go into dormancy in the fall, they
store most of their energy in the root system. It is a great time to encourage root growth and establishment.
Contrarily, it is not wise to dig plants from the ground in the fall, because root loss is often too severe for the plant
to store enough energy to survive the winter. Trees that have been dug in or before the spring have adequate time to
restore lost roots for fall planting. The root growth benefits of cool fall weather should be considered as a compliment
to an already sufficient root system, and not as a supplement for a lack thereof.
To avoid malnutrition, be sure to give your trees an adequate amount of micronutrients, such as magnesium sulfate, limestone, gypsum, iron, and zinc. However, trees need very limited amounts of these compounds, and an overabundance can be harmful. When it comes to fertilization, more is not necessarily better. Slow release fertilizers tend have less chance to “burn” plants and help to eliminate leaching. Have a certified arborist advise you on the correct amounts of each you should provide.
Borer insects are very hard to anticipate or eliminate. The best defense is simply maintaining your tree’s general health in order to avoid these infestations, and treating trees quickly if infestation does occur.
Plants need a specific amount of water. Over watering or poor drainage can cause root rot in your trees. On the other hand, excessive drainage can starve plants of water and nutrients creating drought stress. Be sure that the correct plant is in the correct site. Plants that require a lot of water may not do well along high drainage areas such as retaining walls. Watering for woody shrubs and trees should be once or twice a week and heavy for established plants. Light and frequent irrigation works well for shallow rooted plants such as grass and ground covers, but is not effective for trees and shrubs.
To avoid malnutrition, be sure to give your trees an adequate amount of micronutrients, such as magnesium sulfate, limestone, gypsum, iron, and zinc. However, trees need very limited amounts of these compounds, and an overabundance can be harmful. When it comes to fertilization, more is not necessarily better. Slow release fertilizers tend have less chance to “burn” plants and help to eliminate leaching. Have a certified arborist advise you on the correct amounts of each you should provide.
Borer insects are very hard to anticipate or eliminate. The best defense is simply maintaining your tree’s general health in order to avoid these infestations, and treating trees quickly if infestation does occur.
Plants need a specific amount of water. Over watering or poor drainage can cause root rot in your trees. On the other hand, excessive drainage can starve plants of water and nutrients creating drought stress. Be sure that the correct plant is in the correct site. Plants that require a lot of water may not do well along high drainage areas such as retaining walls. Watering for woody shrubs and trees should be once or twice a week and heavy for established plants. Light and frequent irrigation works well for shallow rooted plants such as grass and ground covers, but is not effective for trees and shrubs.