How Seasonal Changes Affect Your Trees

Trees add beauty, shade, and value to any property, but as the seasons shift, so do the needs and behaviors of the trees around us. Understanding how seasonal changes affect your trees can help you care for them better, keep them healthy, and ensure they’re well-prepared to thrive year-round. Here’s what happens to trees as they transition through each season and some tips on how to give them the care they need during each period.

Spring: Renewal and Growth

Spring is a season of renewal, and trees start to “wake up” from the dormancy of winter. Sap begins to flow, buds start to form, and eventually, leaves and flowers start to bloom. This period of rapid growth requires a lot of energy, which makes spring a vital time to ensure trees have the nutrients and care they need.

• What to Look For: Budding leaves, blooms, and new growth along branches.
• Spring Tree Care Tips:
  • Fertilize: Early spring is a good time to fertilize your trees to support their new growth.
  • Inspect for Winter Damage: Winter can be harsh on trees, so inspect for broken branches or bark damage.
  • Mulch: Adding a fresh layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture as temperatures rise and can suppress weed growth.

Summer: Full Bloom and Maintenance

In the summer, trees are in full leaf and are likely at their most active stage of photosynthesis. However, summer can bring heat stress, pests, and even drought, which can take a toll on tree health. Keeping your trees hydrated and monitoring for pest activity are essential during this time.

• What to Look For: Lush foliage, flowering, and sometimes early signs of heat stress like wilting leaves.
• Summer Tree Care Tips:
  • Water Deeply: Watering your trees deeply once a week can help them withstand the summer heat, especially during dry periods.
  • Pest Control: Check for signs of insect activity or disease, as pests are often more active in the warm months.
  • Prune Sparingly: Only remove damaged or diseased branches, as heavy pruning in summer can stress the tree.

Fall: Preparing for Dormancy

As temperatures cool and days shorten, trees begin to prepare for the winter months ahead by slowing their growth. This is also when deciduous trees start to lose their leaves, conserving resources for the colder season. During fall, it’s important to support your trees as they transition toward dormancy.

• What to Look For: Leaves changing color, less new growth, and eventual leaf drop.
• Fall Tree Care Tips:
  • Rake Leaves: Removing fallen leaves can prevent disease and fungal growth.
  • Inspect for Weak Branches: Fall is a great time to inspect your trees for any weak or dead branches that could be hazardous in winter storms.
  • Add Mulch: A fresh layer of mulch can insulate roots and help regulate soil temperatures as winter approaches.

Winter: Dormancy and Protection

In winter, trees go into dormancy, essentially hibernating to conserve energy until the warmer months return. While trees may appear lifeless, their root systems continue to grow slowly underground. The biggest threats to trees in winter are cold temperatures, ice, and snow, which can damage branches and bark.

• What to Look For: Bare branches in deciduous trees, evergreens may change color slightly, and potential ice buildup on branches.
• Winter Tree Care Tips:
  • Avoid Pruning: Pruning is best done in late winter, as trees are less likely to suffer stress from trimming at this time.
  • Protect from Salt: Road salt can harm trees, so try to limit exposure or use alternatives near trees.
  • Brush Off Snow: Heavy snow on branches can cause them to snap; gently remove snow from lower branches if possible.

Year-Round Care Matters

Understanding how seasonal changes affect your trees is crucial to maintaining their health, beauty, and longevity. By providing the right care during each season, you’ll ensure your trees stay healthy and strong. If you need help with tree inspections, seasonal pruning, or fertilization, contact us for expert assistance!