From Winter Blues to Spring Greens: Caring for Your Trees and Landscape

At Ben & Annie’s Trees for Tomorrow, we make it our mission to bring awareness to the vital importance of trees in our environment and the infinite benefits they can provide to human beings—and a key part of that mission involves sustainable landscaping practices that help protect and promote the health of our planet. As the winter months make their exit and the first signs of spring begin to emerge, there’s no better time than the present to start thinking about the state of your landscaping. Winter weather can be harsh on trees and plants, so it's important to take steps to ensure their health and vitality. Read below to discover some of the best ways to care for your trees and landscape as we transition from winter to spring.

Assess any damage

The first step in winter-to-spring landscaping care is to assess the damage that may have occurred during the winter months. Snow, ice and freezing temperatures can all take a toll on your trees and landscape, so it's important to take a careful look at the condition of your property. You’ll want to look for any broken branches, signs of disease or pest infestations and other issues that may need to be addressed.

Prune your branches

Once you've identified any problems, it's time to start taking action. You’ll likely find a few damaged or dead branches—which is where pruning comes in. Pruning is an essential part of winter-to-spring landscaping care, as it helps to remove any of those branches from your trees. This not only improves their appearance, but also promotes healthier growth and prevents the spread of disease. Be sure to use sharp pruning tools and make clean cuts, as this will help to minimize damage and promote healing—but if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, there are an array of wonderful professionals around town that can help. 

Fertilize 

Another important aspect of winter-to-spring landscaping care is fertilization. Winter can deplete the soil of important nutrients, so it's important to replenish them as the weather starts to warm up. Consider using a slow-release fertilizer to provide your trees and plants with a steady supply of nutrients over time—as this will help to promote healthy growth and ensure that your landscaping looks its absolute best.

Mulch your yard

Mulching is another key component of winter-to-spring landscaping care. Mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil, which is important as the weather starts to warm up and the ground begins to dry out. It also helps to regulate soil temperature and protect roots from fluctuations in temperature. Be sure to use high-quality mulch that is free of weed seeds and other contaminants—and it’s a good idea to apply a layer of mulch around trees, but you don’t want to use too much. A 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch is recommended, and less should be used if the soil has poor drainage. Using more than 4 inches of mulch can potentially harm the tree's root system. If you’re using finely textured or double-shredded mulch, it's best to use 1 to 2 inches since these materials allow less oxygen through to the root zone.

Stay consistent

Finally, it's important to stay on top of regular maintenance tasks such as watering and weeding. As the weather warms up, your trees and plants will require more water, so be sure to water them deeply and regularly. This will help to prevent drought stress and promote healthy growth. Weeding is also important, as it helps to prevent weeds from stealing valuable nutrients from your trees and plants. Additionally, now’s a great time to plant flowering trees and plants that thrive in the springtime—which will also add some vibrancy to your landscape just in time for spring.

Let your landscape bloom this spring

Winter-to-spring landscaping care is an essential part of maintaining a healthy and vibrant property—and by following the steps above, you can ensure that your property looks its best and continues to thrive. At Ben & Annie’s Trees for Tomorrow, we believe that tree conservation and environmental protection are crucial for the health and well-being of our planet. By caring for your trees and landscape, you can do your part to help protect the environment and create a beautiful and sustainable property for years to come. For any additional questions or for more information about what we do, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (210) 670-5297 or fill out our online form today.