Here is some useful information from Casey Trees, a DC-based non-profit dedicated to restoring, enhancing and protecting the tree canopy in DC and suburbs:
The first day of spring after a particularly fierce winter is an exciting moment. With the coming of a new season we’re always ready to dive in with our annual Spring Almanac recommendations to get trees and friends alike ready to enjoy the changes all around.
To ease your trees out of winter we encourage everyone to follow a few key tree-care tips.
First and foremost — for newly planted trees, install slow-release watering bags. Join 25 to Stay Alive efforts by giving trees that have been in the ground less than three years 25 gallons of water, about 1.5 inches of rain, a week.
Additionally, be sure to:
- Remove winter weeds and emerging grasses from around the trunk base.
- Add trunk guards if lawn mowers or weed whackers will come near the trees. If you live near locations with deer populations, install deer guards (more info on the topic).
- Mulch your trees to keep the soil moist, discourage summer weeds and deter pests and diseases.
- Inspect for dead or crossing branches. Damaged branches should be pruned carefully (see videos). Dead branches should be removed.
If you’re looking to start anew by planting trees yourself this spring, be sure to check out theTree Rebate program to see how you can get up to $100 dollars back for trees you plant on your property. This year, more trees than ever are eligible for the full $100 rebate — more than 40 total species.