Spring Tree Care Checklist: What to Do After Winter and When
As winter fades and the snow melts away, it’s time to check in on your trees. The cold months in Central New York can be tough on trees, leaving behind broken branches, hidden disease, and compacted soil. Taking the right steps in early spring can help your trees recover, grow stronger, and stay healthy throughout the year.
A proper spring tree care routine sets the stage for lush foliage, better resistance to pests and storms, and long-term vitality. From inspecting winter damage to pruning, fertilizing, and preparing for warmer weather, this checklist will guide you through the essential tasks to keep your trees thriving.
Here’s what to do—and when—to ensure your trees get the best possible start this spring.
1. Inspect Trees for Winter Damage (Early Spring: March - April)
Before your trees start sprouting new growth, it’s important to assess any damage left behind by winter. Ice, snow, and freezing temperatures can weaken branches, create cracks in the bark, and leave trees vulnerable to pests and disease. A thorough inspection in early spring can help you catch issues before they become bigger problems.
What to Look For:
✅ Broken, Cracked, or Hanging Branches – Winter storms often cause branches to break under the weight of ice and snow. Look for limbs that are split, hanging, or showing signs of stress. These branches should be removed as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
✅ Frost Cracks and Bark Splitting – Sudden temperature changes can cause tree bark to split, leaving open wounds that make trees more susceptible to disease. If you notice deep cracks, keep an eye on them as the weather warms—some trees will naturally heal, while others may need professional care.
✅ Winter Burn on Evergreens – If you see brown, dry, or scorched-looking needles on your evergreens, they may have suffered from winter burn. This happens when winter sun and wind dry out the foliage. While some browning is normal, excessive damage might mean the tree needs extra hydration or care.
✅ Rodent or Pest Damage – During winter, small animals like rabbits and mice may chew on bark, exposing the inner wood. If you notice gnawed bark around the base of your trees, it’s important to monitor for signs of stress or disease.
When to Call a Professional
If you notice large broken branches, deep cracks in the trunk, or any signs of disease (such as fungal growth or oozing sap), it’s best to contact a professional tree service. Plows Tree Service can assess the damage and recommend the best course of action to keep your trees safe and healthy.
2. Prune Dead or Damaged Branches (March - April)
Once you’ve inspected your trees for winter damage, the next step is pruning. Removing dead, broken, or weak branches in early spring helps trees heal faster, reduces the risk of disease, and encourages strong, healthy growth. Proper pruning also improves the tree’s structure, making it more resistant to spring and summer storms.
Why Prune in Early Spring?
✅ Removes Winter-Damaged Branches – Broken or weak branches can be a safety hazard and should be removed before they fall.
✅ Prevents Disease and Pests – Dead wood is an easy target for insects and fungal infections. Early pruning helps stop these problems before they spread.
✅ Encourages New Growth – Cutting back dead or overcrowded branches allows more sunlight and airflow, promoting stronger, healthier foliage.
Best Practices for Spring Pruning
Start with Dead or Broken Branches – Use sharp, clean pruning tools to remove any limbs that are visibly damaged, cracked, or dead.
Avoid Heavy Pruning on Flowering Trees – Trees like dogwoods and crabapples bloom in spring, and pruning too early can reduce flowers. Wait until after they bloom to trim them.
Cut at the Right Spot – Always prune just above a healthy bud or branch junction to promote proper healing. Avoid leaving stubs, as they can attract pests and disease.
Know When to Stop – Over-pruning can weaken a tree, so it’s best to remove only what’s necessary for health and safety.
When to Call a Professional
For large trees, high branches, or limbs near power lines, it’s safest to hire a professional tree service. Plows Tree Service has the right equipment and expertise to safely prune your trees, ensuring they stay healthy and strong for the season ahead.
3. Deep Cleaning: Remove Debris and Mulch Properly (April - May, When Pollinators Are Active)
Spring cleanup is essential for tree health, but timing is important—especially when it comes to protecting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Many pollinators overwinter in leaf litter, hollow stems, and tree bark, emerging when temperatures consistently stay above 50°F. Cleaning up too early can disrupt their life cycles, so it’s best to wait until warmer days before clearing away debris.
How to Clean Up While Protecting Pollinators:
✅ Wait Until Temps Stay Above 50°F – Many pollinators remain dormant in yard debris until steady warmth signals them to emerge.
✅ Leave Some Natural Habitat – If possible, set aside a small area of your yard where leaves and hollow stems can break down naturally, providing shelter for pollinators.
✅ Remove Fallen Branches & Leaves Carefully – Avoid raking aggressively, as you may disturb overwintering insects. Consider lightly shaking branches before discarding them to give pollinators a chance to wake up and fly away.
✅ Check Before Mulching – Mulching too early can trap beneficial insects before they have a chance to emerge.
How to Mulch the Right Way:
Use organic mulch (like wood chips or shredded bark) to nourish the soil as it decomposes.
Keep mulch 2-4 inches deep—too much can suffocate roots and encourage rot.
Avoid “volcano mulching”—keep mulch at least 2-3 inches away from the trunk to prevent moisture buildup and pest issues.
By timing your yard cleanup carefully, you can keep your trees healthy while supporting the essential pollinators that help our local ecosystem thrive.
4. Nourish Trees Naturally: Eco-Friendly Fertilizing (April - May)
After a long winter, trees need nutrients to support new growth—but instead of relying on synthetic fertilizers, consider eco-friendly methods that nourish your trees while protecting the environment. Sustainable fertilizing improves soil health, reduces chemical runoff, and supports beneficial insects and microbes.
Natural Ways to Feed Your Trees:
🌱 Compost & Organic Mulch – Adding a layer of compost or organic mulch (like wood chips or shredded leaves) enriches the soil naturally as it breaks down.
🌱 Leaf Litter & Grass Clippings – Leaving small amounts of decomposed leaves and clippings around the tree’s base can return essential nutrients to the soil.
🌱 Slow-Release Organic Fertilizers – If your tree needs extra nutrients, look for natural options like compost tea, fish emulsion, or well-aged manure.
Best Practices for Eco-Friendly Fertilizing:
✅ Feed the Soil, Not Just the Tree – Healthy soil leads to healthier trees! Encourage soil biodiversity with organic matter.
✅ Apply Fertilizer at the Drip Line – Spread nutrients where the outermost branches extend, as this is where feeder roots absorb the most.
✅ Water Wisely – Deep, slow watering helps nutrients soak into the soil without wasting water.
By using natural fertilizers and sustainable practices, you’re not just helping your trees—you’re also supporting the local ecosystem, reducing pollution, and promoting long-term soil health.
5. Check for Pests and Early Disease Signs (May - June)
As temperatures rise, pests and diseases become more active. Catching problems early can prevent serious damage and costly treatments later in the season.
Common Spring Tree Pests in Central New York:
🐛 Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) – A deadly pest for ash trees, recognized by small "D"-shaped exit holes in the bark.
🐛 Gypsy Moths & Tent Caterpillars – These defoliate trees quickly; look for silk webbing in branches.
🐛 Aphids & Scale Insects – Small sap-sucking pests that cause yellowing leaves and sticky residue.
Early Disease Signs to Watch For:
🍂 Leaf Spots & Blights – Brown, black, or yellow spots on leaves may indicate fungal infections.
🍂 Cankers (Sunken, Dead Areas on Bark) – These wounds can signal serious infections.
🍂 Fungal Growth on Bark or Roots – Mushrooms or powdery mildew can be signs of decay.
If you notice pest infestations or disease symptoms, Plows Tree Service can help with proper treatment and prevention methods.
6. Plan for Storm Protection (Ongoing Spring Maintenance)
Spring and summer storms can bring heavy rain and strong winds, which can damage weak or overgrown trees. Preparing your trees early can help prevent broken branches and costly storm damage.
Storm-Readiness Tips:
🌳 Prune Weak or Overgrown Branches – Reduce wind resistance and remove any limbs that could fall during a storm.
🌳 Check Tree Stability – Look for leaning trees or exposed roots that may indicate instability.
🌳 Consider Cabling or Bracing – For trees with structural weaknesses, these techniques can help reinforce branches and prevent splitting.
If you have concerns about a tree near your home, Plows Tree Service can assess the risks and provide professional trimming or support solutions.
Give Your Trees the Best Start This Spring
Spring is the perfect time to give your trees the care they need to recover from winter and thrive throughout the year. From inspecting for damage to pruning, fertilizing, and preparing for storms, each step helps ensure your trees remain strong, healthy, and beautiful.
If you need help with spring tree maintenance, Plows Tree Service is here to assist! Whether it’s a professional tree inspection, pruning, or storm preparation, our team is ready to keep your trees in top shape.
📞 Call or text us today at (315) 864-4007. You can also fill out this form, and someone will get back to you very soon!
