Now that summer has (unofficially) begun, we thought it would be a good time to cover some tree care topics that we’re often asked about. Keep these in mind as you kickstart your summer landscape care ritual!

Soil testing is a highly overlooked stage in the landscaping process. We think that’s a shame, because a soil test provides so many valuable details!

At Bradley Tree and Landscape, we test soil to determine its current pH and chemical composition, which falls into three categories: alkaline, acidic, and neutral. (Generally, soils in the northeast are acidic.) Once we know the soil’s pH, we can better understand what needs to be done to maximize nutrient delivery. (We also recommend contacting the UNH Cooperative Extension for soil testing.)

 Why do we have to fertilize? Fertilization bolsters tree health, enabling them to fight off disease, pests and environmental stresses. Trees growing in a forest are naturally fertilized with decaying plant matter. Not so in our urban landscapes.

Fertilizers mainly provide a combination of three essential nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K).  

While shopping for fertilizers, you’ll see that different fertilizers contain varying amounts of N, P and K based on a ratio of 100 pounds. A balanced fertilizer might be marked 10-10-10, indicating an equal amount (ten pounds) of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium in that fertilizer. (The remaining 70 pounds is filler.) Complete fertilizers contain some of each nutrient, and fertilizers labeled incomplete indicate that one or two of the three nutrients are not present in that particular variety. Most trees prefer a fertilizer ratio of 2-1-1, which translates to a fertilizer analysis of 20-10-10. (20% nitrogen, 5% available phosphates, 5% water soluble potash.)

Too much fertilizer in the summer will cause excessive growth resulting in weak branches. Apply fertilizer in the spring, after the last frost. If you’re applying fertilizer in the fall, wait until after the first frost.

Mulching helps regulate moisture and air in the soil surrounding your trees. Keep a few things in mind… 

Go easy on the mulch. You’ve probably seen those big “volcanoes” of mulch piled up around trees. This can block the passage of nutrients to the tree, or inhibit proper water drainage from the tree! Mulch also heats up, increasing the temperature around the tree trunk. 

Instead of a ‘mulch volcano’ opt for the ‘doughnut’ – keep a space around the tree trunk.  

Apply mulch when the soil has reached an adequate temperature for root growth. If applied prematurely, the mulch may impede the tree’s growth. (Mid-spring is usually the ideal time.)  

If you’ve mulched in past years and have several inches of mulch already, don’t add more. 2 or 3 inches is sufficient. Raking and fluffing up previous layers will restore its appearance.

In recent years, sprinkler systems have been touted as an ideal method for consistent watering, but when it comes to trees, we say ditch the irrigation! Excessive moisture could be problematic, and the water from sprinkler systems may not travel deeply enough to provide thorough watering. So, stick with the hose!

The sight of an anemic-looking tree bound by twine and stakes has become unfortunately ubiquitous. Few homeowners realize the detriments associated with staking – including a weakened root system, poor trunk growth, and an increased likelihood that the tree will snap in gusty winds over the long term! Before you tie down your young tree, consider whether it’s absolutely necessary…let’s fight the scourge of wimpy trees together!

A neglected tree, doomed to a lifetime of poor trunk growth!

We here at Bradley Tree and Landscape hope you take the opportunity to get out and enjoy nature’s splendor as summer draws closer …you’ll be glad you did! Have a great June, everyone!

-Tim Bradley

P.S. We’re on FaceBook now…come visit!