If you want beautiful trees, it is important to keep them healthy all year round. It is a good idea to come up with a regular schedule for tree maintenance that will keep all the trees in your yard happy and healthy.
The first major step to healthy trees is making sure that they have enough water. A sprinkler is generally not going to provide the roots with the amount of water that they need. The best method is to place the hose directly at the base of the tree to allow the water to soak in through the soil at a faster rate. The size of the tree and how dry it is will determine how long the hose should be left on. Small trees may need as little as five minutes, while large trees may need nearly an hour. This should be done once a week in dry areas but less frequently in areas that get a lot of rain.
Next, you will need to periodically fertilize your tree. Again, this will depend on the tree itself as well as the nutrient contents of your soil. Test the soil around the tree frequently to make sure that the PH levels are at an optimum. It is also a good idea to monitor your tree during the spring and summer to make sure that there are no insect or fungus problems happening. The sooner you catch a problem, the less likely it is that your tree will suffer permanent damage.
During the winter months, your trees will also need care. You can prune during this dormant time if the tree needs it. If you have a storm that breaks some branches, make sure to remove them as quickly as possible. With just a few extra minutes a week, you can ensure that your tree will live a long and healthy life.
