Blog | Tree Care Services

A healthy tree is a beautiful reminder of nature and purifies the air we breathe. If you are a homeowner or nature enthusiast, caring for the trees around you can feel like a challenge. It takes a special effort to protect young trees due to their fragility and needs.

Although different saplings require different care, there are some valuable strategies to help any species along the way. As the premier Springfield tree cabling and bracing company, we make it easy with a list of five recommended methods below.

1. Inspect Your Tree for Damage and Decay

Trees are very good at showing you when something is wrong. Damage and decay are evident through discoloration, wilting, and brittleness on tree bark. Identify if any of these features are present on the surface of the tree. If you notice these symptoms, there can be a few different problems occurring, so contact an arborist to diagnose your tree.

A young tree should have vibrant coloration and a healthy trunk surface. If you notice any of the above issues, it may indicate dehydration or a parasitic infestation.

Do your research to learn what your tree should look like as a healthy sapling. Start a treatment plan with an arborist based on that knowledge.

2. Hydrate Your Tree

Watering your tree is one of the easiest ways to give it the energy needed to grow. Young trees require considerable amounts of hydration to grow their roots and branches. Be sure that your soil is wet enough for the tree, taking into account rainfall in your area.

Many people make the mistake of overwatering a tree. Too much water can cause as much damage over time as dehydration by encouraging rot and fungus. Signs of overhydration include:

1. Unnaturally yellow leaves
2. Brittle leaves

3. Clear Overgrowth and Prune Branches

Weeds and other forms of overgrowth can make it difficult for a young tree to collect the nutrients it needs. Clearing these physical barriers allows the sapling to access sunlight and water. Weeds and vines can also strangle tree trunks and make the tree sick over time.

Pruning branches allows the tree to grow in a healthy posture and prevent tangling.

Don’t attempt this form of tree care during spring or summer. You can best protect young trees by pruning during winter, the dormant season. Doing so prevents any potential growth from taking hold while the tree heals.

4. Shield Your Tree

You can find a plastic tree guard in most home department stores. Guards can protect the sapling from harmful animals around the base and encourage safer growth. Investing in a taller tree tube is a good idea if you live in an area with larger fauna.

Tree guards also help protect from dangerous elements. Help your tree outlast harsh winters by using a snow cover. Once it has grown to a healthy and robust size, some of these applications may no longer be necessary.

5. Hire Professionals

Protecting trees can take significant time and energy out of your day. Why not outsource your help to professionals?

Most tree service companies have all the necessary knowledge and tools to protect your plants. These professionals also make the job safer by not exposing you to injury.

At G&V in Springfield, VA, our team can help you learn more on how to plan for tree planting. Take the workload off your shoulders, and take advantage of our years of experience and thousands of trees serviced.

Don’t risk your young trees! Let our tree service professionals complete the job so your yard can look beautiful and healthy. For more information on how to protect young trees, contact G&V today, or call 703-569-2570.