1. Inspect for Winter Storm Damage

The first step in spring tree care is a visual inspection. Walk your property and carefully examine your trees from the ground up. Look for:

• Hanging or broken branches: Also known as "widowmakers," these are incredibly dangerous and should be removed immediately before they fall on a person, car, or roof.
• Cracks in the trunk or major limbs: Frost and freezing temperatures can cause the wood to split.
• Leaning: If a tree is suddenly leaning after the winter thaw, its root system may be compromised, and it could require professional removal.

2. Clean Up Around the Base

Over the winter, dead leaves, fallen twigs, and other debris naturally collect around the base of your trees and shrubs. Rake this debris away to clear the area. A buildup of wet, dead leaves against the trunk can trap moisture and create a breeding ground for harmful fungi, mold, and insects that can damage the bark.

3. Schedule Spring Pruning and Trimming

Spring is one of the best times to prune your trees. Without the leaves fully in the way, it’s easier to see the structure of the branches. Proper pruning and trimming accomplish a few important things:

• Removes deadwood: Cutting away dead or diseased branches stops decay from spreading.
• Improves airflow and sunlight: Thinning the canopy allows wind to pass through safely (reducing the risk of uprooting in a storm) and lets sunlight reach the inner branches and your lawn.
• Shapes the tree: Trimming keeps your trees looking beautiful and stops branches from encroaching on your roof or power lines.

Note: If branches are high up or near utility lines, do not attempt to trim them yourself. At Liebermann Tree Service, tree climbing is our specialty, and we have the gear to do it safely.

4. Apply Fresh Mulch (The Right Way)

Applying a fresh layer of mulch around the base of your tree helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and keep weeds at bay. However, make sure you don't create a "mulch volcano" (piling mulch high up against the tree trunk). This can cause the trunk to rot. Instead, spread the mulch in a flat donut shape, leaving a few inches of space between the mulch and the actual tree trunk.

5. Evaluate Old Stumps and Overgrown Shrubs

Spring landscaping is a lot easier when you aren't working around eyesores. If you have leftover tree stumps in your yard, spring is the perfect time for stump grinding. Old stumps not only ruin the look of your lawn, but they also attract termites, carpenter ants, and other pests as the wood decays. Similarly, if you have dead or overgrown shrubs that didn't survive the winter, professional shrub removal can give you a clean slate for spring planting.

Need a Hand Preparing Your Yard for Spring?

Tree care can be dangerous and difficult work, but you don't have to tackle it alone. For over 40 years, Liebermann Tree Service has been helping homeowners in Melrose, MA, and the surrounding areas keep their trees safe, healthy, and beautiful.

Whether you need a hazardous tree removed, a stump ground down, or expert pruning for the season ahead, our veteran-owned team is here to help.

Get your free quote today! Call us at (781) 665-9876 or (781) 838-0164 or contact us online to schedule your service.