How To Give It Long Term Care

Tree Care Throughout the Year

Spring
Early Spring

• Complete planting of bare-rooted trees.
• Stake the tree if the site is subject to windy conditions.

Late Spring

• Remove suckers-shoots rising from ground level, directly from the roots
• Keep newly-planted trees moist at the roots during dry periods. Spray foliage with water from time to time
• When the soil is moist, spread mulch of bark or compost in areas where desired

Summer
Early Summer

• Keep an eye open for insect pests, diseases and weeds.
• Weed frequently to keep weeds in check.

Mid-Summer

• Continue weeding regularly to keep free from weeds.

Late Summer

• Water newly-planted trees well around their trunks - they can take several gallons a week.

Autumn
Early Autumn

• Plant conifers and other evergreens while ground is moist and still warm.

Mid-Autumn

• Plant new trees, stake if likely to be vulnerable to strong winds.

Late Autumn

• Gather leaves and add them to the summer's compost pile.
• Continue to plant deciduous trees.
• Protect tender specimens of trees and exposed conifers which are prone to windburn by surrounding them with windbreak material.

Winter
Early Winter

• Plant deciduous trees, provided the soil is not waterlogged or frozen.
• Protect the trunks of young trees from rabbits and squirrels with wire netting.
• Continue necessary pruning, such as cutting back invasive roots and overhanging branches and general shaping.

Mid-Winter

• During mild spells, prune dead or broken branches from established deciduous trees while they are bare.

Late Winter

• Complete pruning of deciduous trees while they are still dormant.

Content provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation.