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How to Keep Your Trees Healthy Through the Seasons

Prees trees
July 15, 2025

Caring for your trees is not a one-time task. Just like lawns or flowerbeds, trees require year-round attention to ensure their long-term health and beauty. Understanding how trees respond to the changing seasons and adapting your care routine accordingly is key to helping them thrive. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for seasonal tree care in Tennessee and explain how proactive maintenance can make all the difference.

Spring: Rejuvenation and Inspection

Spring is the season of new growth. After a long, dormant winter, your trees awaken with fresh energy—but they’re also at their most vulnerable.

Inspect for Winter Damage

The first step to spring tree care is conducting a thorough inspection. Look for:

  • Cracked limbs
  • Broken or hanging branches
  • Signs of disease or pests

If any structural damage is evident, reach out to a certified arborist for professional assessment.

Prune with Purpose

Spring is a great time for light pruning to remove dead or damaged branches. Be cautious not to over-prune, especially as new buds are forming. Removing diseased limbs early helps prevent further infection.

Mulch and Fertilize

Add a fresh layer of mulch around the base of your trees, taking care not to pile it against the trunk. Organic mulch regulates soil temperature and moisture. A slow-release fertilizer will also support new growth during the active season.

Watch for Pests

Keep an eye out for common Tennessee tree pests like aphids, bagworms, and borers. If you spot signs of infestation, schedule treatment immediately to avoid long-term damage.

Summer: Protection and Hydration

The heat and humidity of a Tennessee summer can put significant stress on trees, especially younger or newly planted ones.

Watering Wisely

Deep, infrequent watering is ideal for trees. Water at the root zone early in the morning to prevent evaporation and fungal growth. Pay special attention during droughts.

Mulch Maintenance

Replenish mulch as needed to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Remember, mulch should form a ring, not a mound, around the tree’s base.

Inspect for Disease

Summer is a prime time for fungal diseases like powdery mildew, anthracnose, and root rot. Keep a lookout for discolored or spotted leaves and contact a tree care specialist at the first sign of trouble.

Support Tree Structure

Summer storms can bring high winds and heavy rain. Check for unstable branches and consider tree cabling and bracing to reduce the risk of storm damage.

Fall: Preparation and Pruning

Fall is all about preparing your trees for the winter months ahead. This is the time to strengthen their defenses and reduce the risk of cold-weather stress.

Remove Weak Branches

As leaves fall, you’ll get a clearer view of your tree’s structure. Remove any weak or crossing limbs that could break under the weight of snow or ice.

Clean Up Debris

Fallen leaves and dead branches can harbor pests and diseases. Rake regularly and dispose of any diseased material.

Deep Root Watering

Give your trees a thorough watering before the first freeze. Moist soil holds heat better and helps roots survive colder temperatures.

Fertilize

Late fall is an ideal time to apply a balanced fertilizer. Nutrients will be stored in the roots and used for a healthy start in spring.

Plant New Trees

Fall is a great time to plant trees in Tennessee due to the cooler temperatures and adequate rainfall. Be sure to choose native species and consult with a local arborist.

Winter: Protection and Monitoring

Though tree growth slows in winter, your trees still require care to stay healthy and safe.

Protect the Bark

Use tree wraps to prevent frost cracks or sunscald on young trees with thin bark. These wraps also help deter rodents.

Inspect for Ice Damage

Heavy snow and ice can break limbs, especially on trees with a dense canopy. After storms, inspect your trees and remove any broken branches promptly.

Prune Dormant Trees

Winter is the best time for major pruning, especially for deciduous trees. Without leaves, it’s easier to assess the tree’s structure and make clean cuts. This also reduces the risk of disease transmission.

Avoid Salt Damage

Deicing salts used on roads and sidewalks can harm tree roots and soil. Use salt alternatives when possible, or create barriers to protect root zones.

General Year-Round Tips

Schedule Regular Tree Inspections

Whether you notice issues or not, having a certified arborist inspect your trees annually can catch potential problems early and save you money down the line.

Use Proper Tools and Techniques

When pruning or caring for trees yourself, use sanitized tools and follow proper techniques to avoid causing unnecessary stress or injury to the tree.

Monitor for Pests and Diseases

Stay proactive. Spotting symptoms early can mean the difference between minor treatment and major tree loss. For more examples of warning signs, check out our article on 10 Signs Your Tree Needs Professional Attention.

Stay Updated with Seasonal Posts

We regularly publish helpful seasonal tips on our tree care blog. Be sure to follow along for the latest expert guidance specific to East Tennessee.

Work with Local Experts Who Know Tennessee Trees

Every season in Tennessee brings its own challenges and rewards when it comes to tree care. At Pree’s Tree Specialists, our certified arborists understand the unique conditions of East Tennessee and provide custom care to ensure your trees stay healthy all year long.

Whether you're dealing with storm damage, planning preventative maintenance, or just want to keep your property beautiful, our tree service in Greenback, TN has you covered.

For expert tree maintenance and personalized service, contact us today to schedule an inspection or seasonal care plan tailored to your landscape.

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