March is the transition from winter into spring and it's a great time to get started on spring tree care.

Today we'll discuss some things you can do every spring to ensure your trees remain healthy, safe, and beautiful.
 
INSPECT
First, let's look at the basics. Take a look at the landscape and trees before you do anything. Are there broken branches or tree trunks? Are there signs of pest or insect damage (such as bark eaten by rodents at the base of trees?) Are shrubs bent from snow and ice loads?
 
Call us at 304-207-0115 if you notice anything that may indicate a health concern for your trees. We will provide a complimentary inspection as well as recommendations on how to deal with it.

CLEAN UP
Remove any burlap, tree wraps or other winter protection that you have placed around your trees or shrubs once the weather is warm.

Remove any fallen branches or twigs that may be under trees.

You should also rake the fallen leaves of disease-prone trees or shrubs like roses and dogwoods. This will help to prevent or minimize any further infection.

FERTILIZE
It is a great time of year to add nutrients to your landscape, including trees. Make sure the ground is completely thawed before you apply fertilizer. Runoff can cause water pollution and ultimately waste your money.

Northern Virginia usually fertilizes trees between March and April depending on the weather. Use organic fertilizers that are good for your trees, soil, and the environment if possible.

Trees are only as healthy and happy as the soil in which they grow. Before fertilizing, do a soil test to find out what nutrients your trees need.

TREATMENT FOR INECT PESTS & DISEASES
Spring is a time when many insects and diseases are active. Overwintering scale and insects can be controlled by early treatment, such as with dormant oils. Fungicides are used to control the spread of fungal diseases such as anthracnose or apple scab.
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PRUNE
Spring is a great time to clean up trees and shrubs, especially if they were damaged by winter or have been injured by frost.

Before they begin to leaf out, prune ornamental and summer-flowering shrubs.

If you find dead or damaged branches, remove them immediately. After the branches have budged, you'll be able to identify dead branches more easily.

It is difficult to say goodbye to a tree you have had for many years. However, it may be necessary to remove a tree in order to protect your home.

It is often obvious when a tree should be cut down. It is dead, clearly dying, in the way or planted in an inappropriate place.

Sometimes you might not know if tree removal is the best option for you.

This blog post will discuss six signs it is best to have your tree removed.

IS THE TREE A SAFETY-RISK?
These are signs that a tree needs to be removed. We recommend that you consult a professional tree company or certified arborist before deciding whether to remove a tree. Experts can determine if your tree poses a risk to safety and should be removed.

1. THE TREE IS LEANING
Leaning trees can indicate that they are at high risk of falling. To determine if your tree is leaning, find a place in your yard where you can see it from all sides. A new lean in your tree may be a sign that it isn't natural. This could indicate that your tree isn't healthy, that the ground is no longer supporting it or that the roots are damaged and cannot support the tree.

These signs will help you determine if your tree is at risk of falling over:

• The soil is super-saturated (usually after a lot of rainfall) - If the ground sinks into your feet, it will likely not be able to support or stabilize trees. After significant rainfall, many trees become brittle and fall.
• A tree's soil that is lifting or cracking one side is an indicator that the rootball may be shifting and destabilizing it.
• Exposure of roots, especially if they aren't visible before, can indicate that the ground is subsiding or erosion.
• Trees with multiple stems and long, heavy branches are more likely to fall.

Although a leaning tree might not pose a danger, it is best to have it inspected by professionals. It is best to inspect your tree as soon as possible. If your tree is leaning, it is considered a danger because it is not structurally sound.

It's easy to avoid making mistakes when pruning trees or shrubs.
Tree and shrub pruning can be done for many reasons. These include reducing the plant's size, opening up its canopy, removing obstacles, improving the shape of the tree or removing any dead or damaged growth. Pruning must be done correctly, regardless of the reason. This will ensure that the tree or shrub is healthy and continues to thrive.

Arborists and aesthetic pruning professionals are trained to recognize the growth patterns of trees and shrubs. The arborists evaluate the overall plant form and then cut or modify any branches that pose a threat to plant health, are dangerous for people or property, or detract from its overall character. Every pruning cut can cause injury to the plant. This is why it is important to use as few branches as possible when pruning. This will result in a vigorous, naturally-shaped plant.