Spring Ornamental Tree Care

Ornamental Crabapple trees are among the most popular of the spring-flowering trees. Their fragrant, colorful blossoms last for weeks and provide a source of nectar and pollen for early foragers. As we approach bloom time this spring, here are some things you need to do now to ensure their continued health.

Start by removing tree wrap. Applied in October, tree wrap protects the tree bark from winter sun scald, but now's the time to take it off. Tree wrap left in place through the spring and summer  creates excess moisture between the wrap layer and the bark, inviting insects and disease. It can also constrict growth.

Next, prune away any suckers. When a crabapple tree is under stress, it will begin to propagate itself by producing shoots or suckers, from the root system. These suckers drain energy away from the tree and need to be removed.

Established crabapple trees will benefit from a fertilizer applied in the spring. Fertilome granular Tree and Shrub fertilizer is a good choice. It's effective and easy to apply, especially if the tree is planted in the lawn. You need to water it in, once applied.  Tree spikes are also available and convenient to use.

This is the time to watch for Fire blight. Fire blight is a bacterial disease which can affect crabapple, apple and pear trees. Symptoms include dead branches, light brown to black leaves and a “burnt” look. Fire blight can be spread in the spring by wind, rain or snow and by poor pruning practices.  If you’ve seen infected trees in your neighborhood, you should spray your trees. Fire blight is treated by applying streptomycin when blossoms first open and weekly during the bloom period. Streptomycin can be found in Fertilome Fire Blight Spray.

Finally, it's important to improve the soil your tree is growing in.  Regardless of how long your tree has been in the ground, it will benefit by the application of organic material and humates. These products will help break up compacted soil, increase soil biological activity and improve nutrient uptake, important factors in your tree’s overall health and longevity.