Oak trees make up the largest group of forest trees native to New York. There are 16 species of oaks native to our great state. As you may or may not know, our team of WNY tree experts is passionate about plant healthcare and ensuring trees of WNY are healthy, strong, and last the test of time. Today on the blog we wanted to touch on a few key preventative tips to help keep your oak trees healthy this spring!
Here are a few things you can do to ensure your WNY Oaks are healthy this spring!
Watering Your WNY Oak Trees
How much you water your trees in the spring will depend on how moist your soil is. You’re going to want to make sure that your oak trees are able to receive deep, thorough watering, especially during dry periods. This helps to support new growth and helps to withstand environmental stress.
Moisture levels are bound to fluctuate in the springtime due to rising and falling temperatures, melting snow, and rainfall. As the earth and air soften from the hard freezes of winter, it will challenge your oaks to be able to keep a balanced water level. To test the moisture around your trees, you don’t need any fancy equipment, you can simply dig a small hole near the tree’s root zone to gauge how much moisture the soil has. You want the soil to be evenly moist, but not waterlogged.
There are a few factors to also consider in regards to the watering needs of your particular oak tree. One key factor is temperature. If we end up getting a significant rise in temperature and experience hot and dry weather in the spring, your oak may need a little extra water. If we’re getting decent rainfall and humidity, then you might not need to worry about extra water so much.
Your oak tree’s age will also play a factor in watering. Younger trees and newly planted specimens will need more frequent watering to establish a healthy root system. Mature trees may not need to be watered AS OFTEN, but they need deeper watering. You don’t want to water mature trees close to the trunk of the tree, as an older tree’s roots are going to reach out far, so water a wider circle. Young trees need to be watered closer to the base of the trunk to help the shorter roots.
Fertilizing Oak Trees in the Spring
To ensure your trees experience a good summer growth, you should consider fertilizing them in the early spring. This helps to develop strong roots and promote healthy growth. Timing is important for fertilization, and you can always call our team to see what the best course of action is for your trees.
A healthy and mature oak tree doesn’t always require supplemental fertilization. The decomposition of organic debris and leaf litter should supply your soil with nutrients for the roots. If you notice poor growth of your oak over the last few seasons, or question if there could be some disease on your oak tree, then you may want to consider supplemental fertilization. Young trees can and should probably be fertilized in the spring to help establish a healthy summer.
WNY Springtime Oak Tree Pruning
Pruning is an absolutely necessary aspect of WNY tree care. With our region experiencing so much fluctuation between seasons, as well as snow and ice, proper pruning is vital for a healthy tree. Pruning your oak tree provides proper structural integrity, airflow, and tree health. The tree has been dormant for a few months so springtime is the perfect time to get your oak trees pruned.
Properly pruning your oak trees helps to reduce the risk of pest infestations and oak tree diseases like oak wilt. By removing dead, damaged, or even diseased branches, it will improve the look of the tree, but also reduce the risk of infection and/or decay. Deadwood attracts pesky pests and pathogens, which can compromise your oak tree’s structural integrity.
By having a WNY arborist properly prune your trees, you help to provide your tree with a healthier canopy and improved air circulation. This allows for better airflow and proper sunlight. Not having either can develop fungal diseases. It also helps to prevent overcrowding and helps with the structure of the tree to reduce the risk of breakage during windy storms.
Need Tree Care for Your WNY Oak Trees?
We can help! Just give us a call to speak with a WNY arborist today. We are experts in plant healthcare, tree pruning, and just about everything you might need for a tree in Western New York! We look forward to your call!