How to Keep Your Trees Healthy Year-Round

Trees are more than just beautiful landscape features—they provide shade, reduce energy costs, improve air quality, and increase property value. But like any living organism, trees need care and attention throughout the year to remain strong and vibrant. Whether you’re dealing with mature oaks or young saplings, consistent maintenance can prevent disease, promote growth, and extend their lifespan.

Here’s a seasonal guide on how to keep your trees healthy year-round, including when to call in professional help from arborists.

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Spring: Inspection and Pruning

As temperatures rise, spring is the ideal time to assess winter damage and prepare your trees for new growth.

Tasks to Focus On:

• Inspect for damage: Look for broken branches, signs of disease, or pest activity.
• Prune strategically: Remove dead or damaged limbs to improve structure and encourage healthy growth.
• Mulch at the base: Add 2–3 inches of mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature—but avoid piling mulch against the trunk.
• Fertilize if needed: Conduct a soil test to determine if your tree needs nutrients, and apply a slow-release fertilizer accordingly.

Early spring is also a good time to schedule an evaluation with certified arborists, who can identify any structural or health concerns you might miss.

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Summer: Watering and Monitoring

Summer brings heat and drought conditions that can stress even established trees. Young trees are especially vulnerable during dry spells.

Tasks to Focus On:

• Water deeply: Provide slow, deep watering at the base of the tree once or twice a week, depending on rainfall. Avoid overwatering.
• Monitor for pests: Keep an eye out for signs of insects, such as chewed leaves, sap oozing, or unusual growths.
• Protect the trunk: Avoid mechanical damage from lawn equipment, which can create entry points for disease.

If you notice yellowing leaves, dieback, or unusual spots, a professional arborist can help diagnose and treat the problem before it spreads.

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Fall: Preparing for Dormancy

Fall is a crucial time to prepare trees for the colder months and set them up for healthy regrowth in spring.

Tasks to Focus On:

• Prune light limbs: Light pruning can be done to remove any weak branches at risk of breaking under snow or ice.
• Rake and remove leaves: Especially important if the tree had a fungal infection, as diseased leaves can harbor spores.
• Continue watering: Trees still need hydration in fall, particularly evergreens, so keep watering until the ground freezes.
• Inspect structure: Ensure the tree is stable and well-supported going into winter.

Consider a fall visit from an arborist to assess tree stability and plan any major pruning for late winter or early spring.

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Winter: Protection and Planning

Though growth slows in winter, your trees still need care—especially when snow, ice, and wind come into play.

Tasks to Focus On:

• Protect young trees: Use burlap wraps or tree guards to shield them from frost cracks, windburn, and animals like deer or rabbits.
• Avoid salt damage: De-icing salts can harm tree roots. Use salt alternatives or apply barriers between roads/sidewalks and trees.
• Inspect after storms: Look for broken limbs or leaning trunks. Remove snow buildup gently—don’t shake branches, as they can snap.

Since trees are dormant in winter, it’s also the ideal season for major pruning or removal projects. Certified arborists often recommend this time for structural pruning because it minimizes stress and improves visibility of the tree’s framework.

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When to Call a Professional Arborist

While many tree care tasks can be handled by homeowners, certain situations call for expert knowledge. Certified arborists are trained in tree biology, health assessment, and safe pruning techniques. You should call a professional if:

• You suspect disease or pest infestation
• Large limbs need removal or storm damage has occurred
• A tree is leaning or near power lines
• You’re planning construction near the root zone
• You want a long-term care plan tailored to your landscape

Their expertise ensures the job is done safely and in a way that supports the long-term health of your trees.

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Healthy trees are an asset to any property—but they don’t thrive on neglect. With seasonal care, proper watering, and expert support when needed, your trees can grow stronger year after year. By investing in their care and working with qualified arborists, you’ll enjoy the beauty, shade, and value that healthy trees bring to your home and community all year long.