Spring has once again sprung in New Jersey. Are your ornamental trees ready to blossom in their full glory?
What kind of care do your trees need for the best blossom? And what should you look out for as buds start to burst?
This blog has everything you need to know about proper tree care to prepare for the first blossom of spring. We’ll cover popular NJ ornamental trees, how to prevent damage, and how to ensure a beautiful bloom.
Preparing Your Trees to Bloom
If you want your trees to come alive this spring, there are a few ways to get started.
Look for Signs of Damage
Spring is a good time to inspect your trees. If you wait until the summer to check trees for damage, you may not notice something until it’s too late.
Knowing the signs of having a sick tree can help your tree recover quicker.
Pest Control
Pests can lead to serious tree damage if left undetected. If you see moving mites, brown spots, or disfigured leaves, it may be the work of bugs.
Identify and combat an aphid infestation before it devours all your plants.
Holes are another sign that your tree could be home to unwanted guests. Don’t forget to look along the trunk and roots of your trees.
Pruning
Before your trees begin to bloom look for wilting or odd-looking branches. These are areas where the tree has possible damage.
Pruning ornamental trees controls their look and health. It’s important to prune before winter to prepare your trees for the harsh cold and snow.
If you skipped pruning this past fall, you may want to do it now. Pruning trees back before they get out of dormancy is crucial for their regrowth.
Implant Tree Supports
If your tree is younger, it may also need supports to continue to grow. When it blossoms, there will be more weight on its branches than normal.
Using tree supports can also reduce ground contact which lessens spoilage from bacteria.
Fertilize
Fertilizer is a natural way to boost your tree’s health and density. In early spring, apply fertilizer to the base of your trees.
But if you have well-fortified soil, you may not need to fertilize at all. Maintaining healthy soil is the best way to ensure your plants are healthy for many years to come.
Testing your soil is a great way to know exactly what your trees need to stay alive. Talk to an expert to determine if your trees are getting the nutrients they need.
Popular Ornamental Trees for New Jersey
Ornamental trees add light and color to any landscape. They are popular for their vivid spring blossoms and resiliency to the weather.
Let’s check out some of the most popular ornamental trees in NJ.
Cherry Trees
Small species of cherry trees are one of the top ornamental tree varieties in New Jersey. English Morello and Montmorency are most often seen in homeowner’s yards. Ornamental cherry trees may be small, but they are very tolerant of frost and cold.
Flowering Dogwood Trees
They may come second to cherry trees in popularity, but they are second to none in beauty. This enchanting tree is hardy and easy to grow. It comes in white, pink, and red varieties.
Purple Plum Trees
These ornamental trees are known for their color-changing look. Plum trees blossom with pink flowers in the early spring and turn to dark plum foliage in the summer.
Crab Apple Trees
Crab apple trees blossom with white or light pink flowers in spring. They also have beautiful autumn foliage colors. Unlike most flowering trees, crab apple trees start blooming right away. You should see flowers within two to three years of planting.
If you are looking for more colorful flowers in your landscape, visit our blog The Best Flowering Shrubs for Your Springtime Garden.
When should you call a professional?
Many people choose ornamental plants and trees because they need minimal care. But this may not always be the case. The harsh winter season can bring inevitable damage that may need the help of a professional.
If you notice several dead branches on your trees, there could be an issue with nutrients or water intake. It may also be an indicator of more serious tree damage.
Ignoring damage will only create more work down the road. A tree specialist can help ensure the safety of your property and its trees.
For more information about caring for your ornamental trees, contact us at Trees Unlimited. Our tree care experts are ready to help you now.
