Tending to your trees throughout the summer months can do wonders to improve the shape of your landscape, not only for the duration of the summer, but throughout the rest of the year as well. Property owners in Medford, Oregon, can apply the following five tree care guidelines to keep their trees in excellent condition and cultivate beautifully maintained landscapes this summer:

 

Mulching

 

If you didn’t have the chance to mulch your trees in the spring, it is not too late to begin now. Mulching your trees is a primary tree-care responsibility because it subdues weeds that compete for water and food, coordinates soil temperatures, and helps to conserve soil moisture. Mulch your trees with three to four inches of hardwood mulch. The correct method of mulching trees is to spread the mulch in a doughnut shape, encompassing the base of the tree without placing mulch in contact with the trunk.

 

Examining for Tree Pests

 

Inspect your trees for pests on throughout the summer to reduce the risk of tree decay. Even though most insects are not harmful to trees, recognizing pest concerns in advance can help you prevent them from increasing in number and causing significant damage to your landscape this season.

 

Pruning Your Trees

 

Even though the best time to prune your trees is during the dormant stages, there are a few circumstances when you’ll need to prune your trees over the summer. If you see any lifeless or rotting branches on your tree, be sure to prune them as soon as possible to preserve your trees health and your own safety. If you have any trees that flower in the springtime, including magnolia, cherry, or lilac trees, make sure to prune them in the beginning of summer after they have flowered fully.

 

Fertilizing

 

A vital component of caring for your trees in the summertime is making sure they have the nourishment necessary to foster the development of their leaves and guard against possible diseases and harmful insects. If your tree is growing in an urban or suburban location, it might have more fertilization needs than one growing in a natural environment.