Prune, plan, plant – get a jump on tree season

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, even in the middle of winter, it’s not too early to be thinking of ways to be a good tree tender. One way is to prune your trees and shrubs to boost their health. Looking ahead, landowners can research and plan for new trees in their space, planting them once the ground thaws.

Prune

Late winter is the best time to prune most types of trees. This is especially important for oaks to reduce the risk of spreading oak wilt disease. Pruning is used to improve a tree’s structure, remove weak or dead limbs and increase airflow, helping to ensure health during the growing season.

Plan

Homeowners should think about whether they want a tree that will benefit pollinators, attract their favorite birds and wildlife or provide magnificent fall color. Taking their growing zone, site conditions and nearby infrastructure (buildings, power lines and underground cables) into account planners should pick trees that are perfect for the location.

Once a selection has been made, then it is time to order from a local conservation district or tree nursery. Trees can also be purchased online from the Arbor Day Foundation or a reputable nursery. Many tree sales start in midwinter with spring pickup. If someone is planning to plant many trees on a large area of land, they should check out the DNR’s resources for private forest land owners.

Plant

Download a copy of the DNR’s tree planting and care guide or the U.S. Department of Agriculture Tree Owner’s Manual for tips to help trees thrive. Once a tree is in the ground, add it to the tree planting map at www.michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/forestry/mi-trees to help them reach a statewide pledge to plant 50 million trees by 2030.

Contact DNR urban forester Lawrence Sobson at 313-316-4137 with inquiries.