Spring Tree Care: Preparing Your Trees for a Healthy Year Ahead

As we move into spring, trees start to wake up from their winter dormancy. This is a crucial time to give them the care they need to recover from winter weather and prepare for the growing season ahead. Whether you have trees in your garden, commercial property, or larger landscapes, taking the right steps now will keep them healthy and resilient.

Here’s what you should focus on for spring tree care this year:

1. Assess Winter Damage

The first step in spring tree care is a thorough inspection. Winter weather can cause broken branches, cracks in the bark, or signs of stress. If you notice dead or unstable limbs, they should be removed to prevent safety hazards.

Tip: If you're unsure about a tree's condition, it's best to get a professional assessment.

2. Pruning: What to Cut and What to Leave

Pruning is important, but timing matters. While some trees benefit from early spring pruning, others should be left alone until after they bloom.

Prune: Dead, damaged, or diseased branches
Avoid heavy pruning on flowering trees until after they bloom, as this can reduce the number of flowers

3. Keep an Eye on Pests and Diseases

As temperatures rise, so does insect activity. Watch for early signs of pests like caterpillars, aphids, or fungal infections. Some pests overwinter in bark and emerge in spring, so catching them early can prevent serious damage.

Tip: If you notice unusual spots on leaves, holes in bark, or excessive sap oozing, it could be a sign of disease. Contact a tree specialist for advice.

4. Mulching: Do It Right!

Mulch is great for retaining moisture, regulating soil temperature, and preventing weeds, but too much mulch can be harmful.

Use a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the tree’s base
Avoid piling mulch against the trunk, as this can cause rot and attract pests

5. Watering: Less Is More

Spring showers help, but if we experience dry spells, young trees may need extra watering. Older trees generally don’t require much additional watering unless there are signs of stress.

Tip: A deep, slow soak once a week is better than frequent light watering.

6. Fertilising: Should You Do It?

Not all trees need fertiliser in spring. If your tree is growing well, it may not need extra nutrients. However, if it has yellowing leaves, slow growth, or looks weak, a balanced fertiliser can help.

Tip: Always choose the right type of fertiliser based on your soil condition—over-fertilising can do more harm than good.

7. Tree Planting: The Season Is Ending

Spring is usually a great time for tree planting, but by the end of March, it’s best to hold off until autumn. Trees planted in late spring or summer struggle to establish strong roots due to rising temperatures and reduced rainfall.

Tip: If you missed the planting window, focus on maintaining existing trees and plan ahead for the next planting season.

8. Tree Safety: Book an Inspection

If you’re unsure about the health of a tree on your property, it’s always best to get a professional tree inspection. Trees with structural weaknesses can become hazardous, and an expert assessment can help prevent unexpected failures.

Get Your Trees Spring-Ready with Beechwood Trees & Landscapes!

Spring is a critical time for tree care, and taking action now will keep your trees healthy, safe, and beautiful all year long.

💬 Need expert advice on pruning, health checks, or tree safety?
📩 Contact Beechwood Trees today to schedule your spring tree care service!