As a local tree service company in Erie, PA, WE know firsthand how our unique climate impacts the trees in our yards and neighborhoods.
With cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers, Erie trees face different challenges throughout the year. That’s why WE’VE put together this seasonal tree care calendar – to help YOU, our fellow Erie homeowners, keep your trees healthy and thriving all year long.
Understanding Erie’s Climate and Tree Growth
Before we dive into the specifics of seasonal tree care, let’s talk about what makes Erie’s climate unique. Located right on Lake Erie, our city experiences what’s called a “humid continental” climate. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? In short, we have warm to hot summers and cold winters, with decent amounts of rain and snow.
While the changing seasons can be tough on trees, many species have adapted well to Erie’s climate. Native trees like maples, oaks, and pines do especially well. But no matter what types of trees you have, they’ll benefit from some extra TLC as the seasons change.
Best Season for Planting Trees
In Erie, FALL IS THE BEST TIME TO PLANT NEW TREES. The cooler air and still-warm soil give trees a chance to establish strong roots before winter hits. Planting in spring can work too, but avoid planting in summer when heat and drought stress are high.
Choosing the Right Tree Species for Planting
Of course, it’s not just about when you plant, but what you plant. CHOOSE TREE SPECIES THAT ARE WELL-SUITED TO ERIE’S CLIMATE. Some of our favorites include:
- Red maple
- White oak
- Eastern white pine
- River birch
These native trees have evolved to handle Erie’s seasonal shifts. But there are many other options too – just be sure to research a tree’s growing requirements before planting.
Recommended Planting Techniques
Proper planting is key to a new tree’s survival. Remember these tips:
- Dig a hole 2-3x wider than the root ball
- Place the tree at the same depth it was in the nursery container
- Backfill with native soil, not amended soil
- STAKE THE TREE LOOSELY for support, but remove stakes after one year
- MULCH AROUND THE BASE OF THE TREE, but keep mulch away from the trunk
Following these guidelines will help your new trees thrive, even with Erie’s cold winters and hot summers.
Dormant Season Care: Winter Tree Maintenance
Speaking of winter, let’s talk about taking care of your trees during their dormant season. While trees aren’t actively growing in winter, there are still important steps to take.
Inspection for Pests and Diseases
Winter is a great time to INSPECT YOUR TREES FOR SIGNS OF PESTS AND DISEASES. Without leaves in the way, it’s easier to spot issues like:
- Cankers or lesions on the bark
- Fungal growths
- Evidence of insect infestation (holes, sawdust, etc.)
If you notice any red flags, give us a call. Catching problems early is key to keeping your trees healthy.
Pruning: Timing and Techniques
Dormant season is also ideal for PRUNING MOST TYPES OF TREES. With the leaves gone, you can really see the branch structure and identify areas that need trimming. Plus, insects and diseases are less likely to infect pruning wounds in winter.
However, there are some exceptions. Trees that “bleed” sap heavily, like maples and birches, are best pruned in late summer. And NEVER TOP A TREE! This harmful practice weakens trees and leads to unsafe regrowth.
Early Spring: Preparing Trees for Growth
As the snow melts and temperatures rise, your trees will start waking up from their winter slumber. It’s time to help them gear up for a season of active growth.
Fertilization Strategies for Spring
One key task in early spring is FERTILIZING YOUR TREES. A slow-release, balanced fertilizer can give trees the nutrients they need to fuel new growth. However, AVOID FERTILIZING STRESSED OR NEWLY PLANTED TREES, as this can do more harm than good.
Watering Guidelines as Growth Begins
As trees begin to leaf out, they’ll also need MORE WATER. Even if spring rains are plentiful, keep an eye on soil moisture. Newly planted and young trees are especially vulnerable to drought stress. A good rule of thumb is to provide 1-2 inches of water per week, either from rain or irrigation.
Spring Growth: Ongoing Tree Care
Once your trees are in full leaf-out mode, there are a few key tasks to stay on top of.
Monitoring Tree Health: Signs to Watch For
Throughout spring, REGULARLY INSPECT YOUR TREES FOR SIGNS OF TROUBLE, such as:
- Wilting, yellowing, or browning leaves
- Cankers or cracks in the bark
- Insect activity or damage
Catching issues early gives you the best chance of successfully treating them. DON’T HESITATE TO CALL US if you notice anything concerning – that’s what we’re here for!
Additional Pruning for Shape and Health
Spring is also a good time for some LIGHT PRUNING to maintain your trees’ shape and structure. Focus on removing dead, damaged, or rubbing branches. However, avoid heavy pruning in spring, as this can stress trees right as they’re putting energy into new growth.
Summer Care: Nurturing Tree Growth
Summers in Erie can be hot and humid, so it’s important to give your trees some extra TLC during this time.
Importance of Soil Moisture
CONSISTENT SOIL MOISTURE IS KEY during the heat of summer. Drought-stressed trees are more susceptible to pests and diseases. But overwatering can be just as harmful, leading to root rot. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. WATERING DEEPLY AND LESS FREQUENTLY encourages deeper root growth.
Addressing Pests and Weeds
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR PESTS like Japanese beetles, bagworms, and spider mites. If populations get too high, targeted treatments may be necessary. Same goes for weeds that compete with your trees for water and nutrients. Pull them by hand or spot-treat with herbicide – just be careful not to damage your trees in the process.
Late Summer to Early Fall: Preparing for Dormancy
As summer winds down, your trees will start getting ready for another Erie winter. Help them prepare with these steps.
Proper Watering Techniques Before Dormancy
ADEQUATE WATER IS CRUCIAL as trees enter dormancy. Continue watering deeply until the ground freezes. This helps prevent winter desiccation and damage to roots and bark. A good soak before the first hard freeze is especially important.
Fertilization Practices for Fall
If you didn’t fertilize in spring, EARLY FALL IS ANOTHER GOOD TIME TO DO IT. A slow-release fertilizer can help replenish nutrients lost over the growing season. Just be sure to apply it at least 6 weeks before the first expected frost to avoid stimulating late-season growth.
Fall: The Best Time for Transplanting
As mentioned earlier, fall is prime time for planting new trees in Erie. But it’s also THE BEST TIME TO TRANSPLANT EXISTING TREES if needed.
Guidelines for Successful Transplanting
To give a transplanted tree the best chance of survival:
- TRANSPLANT IN EARLY FALL, at least 6 weeks before first frost
- Choose a new location with appropriate light and soil conditions
- DIG A WIDE, SHALLOW HOLE, 2-3x the width of the root ball
- LIFT AND MOVE THE TREE CAREFULLY to avoid root damage
- WATER DEEPLY AND REGULARLY until the ground freezes
With proper care, a fall-transplanted tree will be well-established by spring.
Species Best Suited for Fall Transplanting
While most trees can be transplanted in fall, some handle it better than others. Good candidates for fall transplanting include:
- Red and sugar maples
- Lindens
- Spruces
- Crabapples
These species are relatively resilient and adapt well to the transplanting process.
We hope this seasonal tree care calendar helps you keep your Erie trees thriving all year long! Remember, WE’RE ALWAYS HERE TO HELP – whether you need advice, a professional assessment, or hands-on tree care services. Contact us anytime with your tree care questions and needs.