Healthy trees don’t happen by accident. Spring is a critical season for setting them up for success, as trees shift from dormancy into active growth. The right spring care supports strong root development, balanced canopy growth, and resilience against heat, drought, and pests later in the year. Rather than following a fixed calendar, effective spring tree care responds to local conditions. What counts as “spring” can arrive earlier in warmer regions and much later in colder climates. This spring checklist is designed to be condition-based, not date-based, so you can adjust timing to your local climate while following proven best practices for long-term tree health. SPRING: Recovery, Root Activation, and New Growth (Timing varies from late winter in the South to late spring in northern regions.) Spring is when trees transition from dormancy to active growth, beginning below ground as roots become metabolically active before buds open. Spring Checklist Inspect trees for winter damage (cracked limbs, split bark, dieback) Prune broken or crossing branches before full leaf-out Begin fertilization once soil temperatures rise Improve soil conditions to support root growth Apply mulch to moderate soil temperature and retain moisture Why It Matters Spring growth sets the tone for the entire year. Trees rely heavily on stored energy reserves, making balanced nutrition and healthy roots critical during this phase. TreeHelp’s Annual Care Kits are particularly effective in spring because they combine: Slow-release, species-specific fertilizer Mycorrhizal fungi to improve nutrient and water uptake Soil conditioners that support root expansion Applying these products early supports steady canopy development rather than rapid, weak growth.
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