Different trees grow and bloom in different areas across the country, standing proudly in our backyards. Here in Virginia, we have multiple beautiful trees that can be found around the neighborhoods: Red Maple, American Holly, Eastern Red Cedar, Flowering Dogwood, Sweetbay Magnolia, and many more! However, many homeowners forget about the basic tree care to keep them in the best shape possible!
We get it – things happen, and life gets busy, so chores like tree care get thrown to the back of the mind. However, these tree care tasks aren’t as complicated as you think! There are many ways to keep your trees strong and beautiful, but some of the best ways to do so also happen to be some of the easiest!
Proper Mulching
When driving through neighborhoods, you can sometimes catch glimpses of different colored mulch around trees in the front yard. This makes them stand out and look nice, but it also serves a dual purpose: to protect them from the ground up! Mulch is a great way to keep invasive bugs at bay, retain moisture in the soil and roots, protect the tree roots from invasive plants, and regulate soil temperature in the different seasons.
Consistent Pruning
It’s usually pretty easy to tell when certain branches of trees or sections of plants and flowers are no longer healthy. Pruning your trees in late winter or early spring before new growth begins is a great way to keep healthy growth continuously coming in and keep disease at bay.
Branches growing in undesirable directions or that seem diseased should be removed to avoid them spreading to other areas of the tree and looking unsightly.
Alt text: professional basic tree care with equipment
Alt description: professional using proper tree-cutting equipment for basic tree care in the front yard
Appropriate Watering
Another basic tree care concept is to water your trees deeply and slowly, so the soil around the tree’s roots is saturated. However, you want to avoid making the trunk too wet to prevent rot from setting in (since it’s the roots that need that water, not the trunk itself!). Additionally, you want to ensure you’re watering your trees an appropriate amount of times throughout the different seasons, to avoid overwatering or potentially causing excess freezing within the tree!
Introducing Fertilizer
One basic tree care concept many people do not think about with their ample greenery is utilizing quality fertilization. Applying a slow-release fertilizer regularly can provide nutrients to the soil that may otherwise be lacking! You can test the soil around your tree to see if it’s missing any of these nutrients, which could stunt its growth or cause it to become weak.
Removing Excess Vegetation
Unfortunately, the greenery around your yard can eventually begin competing with one another for resources it needs to survive. Take action to remove vines, turf, or other plants encroaching on your trees and stealing their sun/water/nutrients. Space is a great basic tree care step to take to eating in its healthy journey! Your tree needs many different resources to grow and thrive, so
it’s essential to ensure it’s not competing with immediate vegetation in your yard so all of your plants grow happy and healthy!
Hiring The Right Help With Basic Tree Care
You can take many steps as a homeowner to care for your trees, such as removing excess greenery or watering a little more if you are in a dry spell. Occasionally, tree care goes beyond what the average homeowner can do, and it’s time for a professional to step in. The well-educated professionals at NRV Tree Guy have the time, patience, and understanding to help you with any basic tree care needs you may have!