Making tree care part of your springtime maintenance list is a wise investment. While these trees look pretty, they also shield your building from heat and make your business feel more welcoming to every customer who walks through the door. Take some time to walk the grounds now so that you can save yourself a significant headache when the summer storms start rolling in.
Searching Your Property for Hidden Safety Issues
As soon as spring rolls in, you want to take a slow walk around every single tree on your property to look for signs of trouble. Winter ice and heavy winds are famous for snapping limbs that stay tangled in the canopy. Look for deep cracks in the trunk or any bark that seems to be peeling off in large, papery chunks. It is much better to call a tree crew today than to deal with the aftermath of a limb falling where it shouldn’t.
Feeding the Soil and Quenching Their Thirst
Once you know the trees are structurally sound, you need to focus on the dirt beneath them. Commercial soil is usually packed down tight by foot traffic and lawnmowers. When it comes to fertilizer, a slow-release formula is your best bet because it provides a steady meal for the roots without the risk of burning them with too many chemicals at once. Give young trees a deep soaking of water at least once a week if the spring rains are being stingy. Moist soil gives trees what they need to thrive and bud when the season begins.
Applying Mulch the Right Way
Mulching is one of the best things you can do for your landscape. However, doing it wrong is actually worse than doing nothing at all. You want to spread a fresh layer of wood chips or shredded bark around the base of the tree to keep the moisture in and the weeds out.
It’s important to avoid applying too much mulch. This traps moisture against the bark and causes rot or fungal infections. A flat ring of mulch that looks like a donut is the perfect shape. It protects the trunk from being nicked by weed whackers.
Be on the Lookout for Pests and Diseases
As the weather warms up, the bugs also start to wake up and look for a place to eat. If you notice tiny holes in the foliage or find sticky spots on your customers’ windshields, you likely have some pests moving in. You may be dealing with aphids or scale insects.
Keeping your trees healthy has numerous benefits aside from avoiding liability claims. The shade they provide can help you be less reliant on air conditioning, which will significantly lower your monthly energy bills. They can also enhance your property’s visual appeal. Call West Coast Tree Care in San Carlos, CA today for all of your commercial tree service needs.
