Recommendations for tree care activity by time of year specifically for the Charlottesville, Virginia climate and geographic area. The best times for taking care of your trees in Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.
WINTER (January-March)
Winter is a good time to observe your trees and assess their needs. When trees are dormant and without their leaves, the structural integrity of the trunk and limbs are more visible. The silhouette of tree branches reveals crowded, crossing, and interior parts of the tree that may warrant pruning. This is also a good time to take stock in all your outdoor projects and formulate a plan for the coming year. A tree maintenance program starts with an inventory of trees to be managed. A simple map locating the tree and a brief description, like species, age and size, and condition is a good start. Listed below are some practices to perform during the winter months.
– Tree Inventory
– Pruning / Fruit Tree Pruning
– Fertilizing
– Cable Bracing
If the weather permits, planting, mulching, tree removal and stump grinding, and firewood processing can be done this time of year.
SPRING (April – June)
April showers bring May flowers and swarms of honeybees. This is the busiest time of year. From the snow thaw emerges new life and vitality like the honeybee on a warm spring day. There seems to be so little time to do what needs be done before summer drought arrives. Trees grow mostly in the spring months when water is plentiful. Make the most of spring rains by performing these tasks.
– Pruning / Fruit Tree Pruning
– Planting
– Mulching
– Fertilizing
– Planter Bed And Garden Preparations
Other activities like tree removal, stump grinding, tree cabling and bracing ,and lightning protection installations may be considered this time of year, if time permits.
SUMMER (July – September)
Oh the lazy days of summer. Seeking shade on a hot summer’s day may be the wisest thing to do to limit physical stress and potential heat exhaustion. While working with trees, fortunately there is plenty of shade in close proximity. On hot summer days Trees need their shade too. Pruning is avoided this time of year unless absolutely necessary. Summer droughts are very stressful on all trees and the week ones show signs of their pending mortality. This is a good time to observe your trees needs. Early detection of tree problems can provide for more treatment options. Here are some practices to consider during Summer months.
– Watering
– Mulching
– Cable Bracing
– Lightning Protection
– Fishing …
Storm damage trees may require some pruning and hazard trees need to be removed as soon as possible.
FALL ( October – December )
The color of fall brings our attention to the changing beauty of trees. As the weather turns cool, outdoor activity becomes more inviting and planting time returns. Any yard work like pruning, planting, and mulching is best completed before leaf fall. Consider utilizing leaves and plant litter for compost and mulch. If the winter supply of firewood is lacking than now is the time to gather dry seasoned wood to insure a warm place next to the stove this winter. Here are a few extra chores to put on the long winter’s to do list.
– Planter Bed Preparation
– Tree and Shrub Planting
– Mulching
– Pruning
– Leaf Removal and Gutter Cleaning
– Tree Removal and Firewood Processing
– Stump Grinding
– A Long Winter’s Nap !!!!!!!!!