As the seasons change, so do the needs of the trees in your yard. Now that summer is right around the corner, it’s important to learn what tree services in Denver you will need to properly care for your trees. Here’s a look at how you can keep your trees healthy all summer long:

Lay down fresh mulch.

One of the easiest ways to keep your trees healthy during the summer is by putting down a fresh layer of mulch around the bases of the trees. Mulch is important because it prevents weed growth and controls the soil temperature. More importantly, it helps the soil retain water. This means that less water will be lost to evaporation, which becomes very important as the temperatures start to rise. The roots of your trees will be able to absorb water from the soil before it evaporates into thin air if you apply a fresh layer of mulch.
 
You can find bags of mulch at any hardware or gardening store. There are many different options, but it’s recommended that you look for shredded hardwood mulch. Once you bring the bags home, apply a circle of mulch around the base of the tree. Make sure that the layer of mulch is about three to four inches thick so your trees can reap all of the benefits listed above.

Turn on the sprinklers.

Summer weather can be brutal on trees, especially if they are young or recently planted. It’s estimated that trees need about one inch of water every week, so if you don’t feel your trees are getting this, you may need to water your trees during the summer to keep them healthy.
 
It’s best to water your lawn in the morning as opposed to the afternoon or evening. In the morning, there usually isn’t any wind to blow away the water droplets before your trees get a chance to absorb them. Temperatures are also cooler in the morning, so you don’t have to worry about the water evaporating before your trees can absorb it. Temperatures are lower in the evening as well, but it’s not wise to water your lawn during this time. If you turn on your sprinklers in the evening, the water that is not absorbed will cling onto your plants and could cause fungus growth. Learn the smarter way to water your lawn.

Look for pest problems.

Many pests, including the magnolia scale, Japanese beetle, and spider mites, are more common in the summer, which means they could slowly begin to infect your trees in the next few months. Get into the habit of frequently inspecting your trees for signs of pest infestations so you can contact a tree service professional as soon as possible.
 
Of course, you will need to learn the signs of pest infestations if you want to be able to catch them early. Sometimes, you can spot the pests right on your tree. This is true of scale insects, which tend to travel in large packs and leave colorful spots on the barks of trees. You may also notice a sticky substance on your tree or the presence of mold. These are both signs of pest infestations, so if you spot them, contact a tree company within your community right away.

Be prepared for the storms.

Summer is typically a fairly stormy season in Colorado, so it’s smart to work with a tree company to determine if any of your trees need to be trimmed before the storms hit. A tree trimming professional can inspect your trees to identify any weak or dead limbs that need to be removed. He can also ensure that your trees are not leaning too close to your home or any other structure on your property. If you don’t do this, it’s possible that your trees could damage your home or car during a heavy storm with high winds.

Fertilize your trees.

Give your tree fertilizer so it can fight off pest infestations and remain strong during the summer season. There are a few different types of fertilizers, but it’s recommended that you use granulated fertilizer if you are applying it yourself because it’s the easiest one to use. Be sure that you don’t apply the fertilizer on the trunk of the tree. Instead, move about one foot away from the trunk and begin applying the fertilizer on the ground. You should stop once you have reached the area beneath the outermost tips of the tree’s branches.
 
It’s best to water the area that you just fertilized as soon as you are done. This will ensure that the fertilizer is quickly dissolved so the tree’s roots can absorb the nutrients right away.

Prune your trees.

Most tree trimming does not take place in the summer, but there are a few reasons why you will need to prune your trees during this season. First, pruning can remove any dead or weakened limbs on your trees so they don’t hurt anyone or damage your property if they fall. You will also need to prune any trees that flower during the spring, such as lilacs and magnolias. These trees will need to be pruned in the first part of summer, preferably right after they have finished blooming.
 
Remember, it’s best to leave pruning up to the professionals instead of trying to handle this task on your own. You will need special equipment so you don’t injure yourself or the tree, and it’s likely that you don’t have the equipment at home. It can also be dangerous to prune large trees if you’re not properly trained to do so. Don’t spend your summer vacation healing from an injury that you sustained while pruning a tree in your yard—let the professionals help.
 
Are you in need of tree services for summer? If so, talk to the professionals. Arbor Garden is a locally owned and operated tree services company that specializes in tree pruning, removing, stump removal, planting, and pest management. Contact us today to learn more about our services and receive a free estimate.