Spring
is the season when trees bud and bloom, showing their full beauty.
Unfortunately, it can also be a season when diseases set in. Most of
the diseases that affect trees are caused by fungi and bacteria,
which thrive in the moist, warm conditions characteristic of
springtime.
Not
all tree diseases are a threat to trees, but most at least impact the
tree's appearance. To keep your tree pretty and disease-free, adhere
to these best practices this spring.
1.
Trim Trees as Early as Possible
You
can certainly remove the occasional damaged branch later in the
spring or summer, and flowering trees are best pruned after blooming.
Aside from these exceptions, aim to have your trees trimmed as early
in the spring as possible.
Early
trimming is easier on the tree — since it won't yet have put the
energy into budding — so your tree will stay stronger and more able
to fight off infections. Certain diseases, like oak
wilt
,
can also be spread when the pathogenic fungi come into contact with
open wounds. These pathogens are less active and less likely to be
transmitted in early spring when temperatures are cooler.
2.
Use Only Sanitized Shears
Sometimes
homeowners accidentally infect their own trees by trimming them with
contaminated shears. Sanitize
your shears
in
a bleach solution before using them. Just mix one part bleach to
three parts water in a large bucket. Place your shears in the
solution, and let them soap for 5 minutes. Remove them from the
bucket and let them air dry before use.
Repeat
the sanitization process after each tree. Signs of disease are not
always obvious when a tree is dormant in late winter or early spring,
so don't assume a tree is disease-free just because it appears to be.
3.
Keep Mulch Away From the Tree Trunk
Mulching
around trees is not really necessary, but some people enjoy the look
it creates, and it can help keep the soil moist during periods of
drought.
If
you choose to place wood mulch around your tree this spring, do not
form it into a volcano shape around the tree trunk. This may look
stylish, but it traps moisture against the tree trunk and is an open
invitation to pathogens. Push the mulch one to two inches back from
the trunk so the tree has space to breathe.
Make
sure the wood mulch is reputably sourced, too. According to the
University of Wisconsin-Madison, mMulch made with trees suffering
from oak wilt, Verticillium wilt, or Dutch elm disease, can pass
these diseases on to other trees. Buy mulch made from disease-free
trees only.
4.
Water Sparingly
Some
homeowners just can't wait to see their trees start growing, and they
believe that watering the tree generously will inspire that growth.
Sadly, overwatering does more harm than good; it can cause fungal
infections.
Springtime
in Nashville is generally rainy enough to provide trees with as much
moisture as they need. If there is a period of drought and you are
worried about your tree, check its water situation by digging about
eight inches down in the area beneath the tree. You only need to
water the tree if the soil eight inches down is dry and crumbly.
5.
Fertilize Your Trees
Trees
that have all the nutrients they need are less likely to succumb to
infection. Late April through early May is a great time to fertilize
trees since they are in their peak growth stage.
Apply
about three pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, and make sure
you choose a fertilizer that does not contain herbicides. (Those
designed for use on lawns often do.) A fertilizer with 12 to 30
percent nitrogen and 3 to 12 percent potassium and phosphorus works
well.
With
the right springtime care, you can set your trees up for another
disease-free year. If you need help trimming or otherwise caring for
the trees on your land, set up an appointment with Kaily's
Tree Service
.
