Trees offer welcome shade on scorching hot summer days in Florida. They beautify the landscape, help filter pollutants from the air and provide homes and food for birds. For the trees on your property to thrive, however, you need to provide basic care for them. Spring triggers a burst of active growth that continues well into summer, making the season a busy time for tree care. Here are four tree care tips for spring that will help ensure your trees look great all year long.

1. Watering

Lack of sufficient water is one of the most common reasons for trees to falter, particularly in their first two years. Newly planted trees need a thorough soaking every one to two weeks. If it doesn’t rain enough, use a hose or sprinklers to water the ground around the tree from its trunk to the edge of its canopy. Water well-established trees when the soil a foot below the surface is dry or when they show signs of wilt. Allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions.

2. Fertilization

Spring is the ideal time to ensure that your trees have the nutrients that they’ll need to grow. Fertilizer is best applied before the first flush of spring growth. The key to successful fertilization is matching the type of fertilizer to the soil. A reputable tree service company can conduct a soil test for you to determine the type and amount of fertilizer to apply. Traditional fertilizers can be applied every spring. Slow-release fertilizers are typically used once every two years. With either type, the fertilizer should spread beneath the tree’s canopy starting two to three feet from the trunk. To prevent injury to the roots, make sure that the soil is moist before fertilizing.

3. Tree Pruning

Early spring is a great time to prune conifers like cypress and juniper and trees that flower in summer, such as crape myrtle and magnolia. For trees that bloom early in spring, such as flowering fruit trees, it’s best to wait until after the blossoms fade to prune. Spring is also the perfect time to prune long-established but neglected trees. Whatever the season, dead and dying limbs should be pruned to prevent the spread of decay. Because pruning often requires the use of power tools and ladders, most home and business prefer to leave pruning tasks to tree trimming professionals. Skilled experts can prune the tree to enhance its natural form, ensuring healthy growth while improving its appearance.

4. Insect and Pest Control

Spring growth can attract insect and disease pests that can cause long-lasting damage to your trees. Leaking sap, peeling bark and holes in leaves are common signs of infestations. Before spraying your trees with fungicides, however, it’s a good idea to consult a professional tree specialist. An arborist can establish why the tree is weak and can recommend the optimal solution. If tree removal is necessary, the experts at Warner Tree Service can remove the tree, the stump and the roots using specialized equipment. They can even plant a new tree that will flourish for many springs to come. To schedule tree pruning or removal service, contact Warner Tree Service today.