Seasonal tree maintenance can be a great way to limit pest infestations and ensure your trees are healthy throughout the year. In Jacksonville, FL, a little routine care and attention to your trees will keep them free of pests, disease, and other problems that can quickly spread to nearby trees and impact the health of your property.
A healthy tree has full, luscious leaves and roots that are well rooted in the ground. Inspecting your trees for chewing insects, discolored or bare wood, and other visual signs of insect damage in spring will give you an idea of the condition of your trees. If you see any issues that need treatment, it’s best to schedule the work before the insects begin to breed and become more serious.
Winter
During the winter, inspect your trees for any damage seasonal tree maintenance from the snow storms and cold temperatures. Look for broken twigs and branches, and check the bark for cracks or decay. A quick inspection with a broom or rake can remove some of the heavy snow that may be weighing down the branches of your evergreens, but always use a soft brush to avoid damaging the trees.
In the spring, plant any new trees or shrubs in your yard as soon as it is warm enough. You should also consider getting some mulch to place around the base of your trees to help keep the soil moist and protect the roots during the hot summer months. Mulching is a good idea for all types of gardens, but it’s particularly important for young or newly planted trees, as the added protection can greatly reduce the risk of root rot or other types of water stress.
As the weather thaws in the fall, you should begin watering your trees. Subsurface irrigation is a good option for the cool months, as it allows the water to soak deep into the roots. This helps the soil stay hydrated and is essential for trees that don’t have an irrigation system, are newer plantings, or live in an area that experiences extreme drought conditions.
Watering is also a good time to fertilize your trees. This will replace nutrients lost during the winter and can also boost a tree’s resistance to diseases, insects, and the elements.
Prune your yews, boxwoods, and other evergreens in late winter or early spring. This will prevent them from overproducing in the spring. You should also prune shade trees, such as oaks, maples, and katsura, in spring or summer. It’s best to wait to prune flowering trees and shrubs until after they bloom, though.