April 29, 2025 Spring Tree Care Tips for a Healthy Growing Season

As winter fades and warmer temperatures arrive in Minneapolis and the Twin Cities, your trees begin their annual growth cycle. Spring is a crucial time for tree care, ensuring trees recover from winter damage and thrive throughout the year.

Taking the right steps early in the season can help prevent potential issues and promote strong, healthy trees. Here’s how to ensure your trees are ready for a successful growing season.

At Tree Top Climbers, we specialize in tree trimming, tree removal, and storm damage prevention, helping homeowners and businesses maintain safe and beautiful landscapes.

1. Inspect Your Trees for Winter Damage

Winter storms, heavy snow, and freezing temperatures can weaken trees, causing cracked branches, bark damage, and root stress. As the snow melts, check your trees and shrubs for signs of winter injury, including:

• Broken, cracked, or hanging limbs (which may fall unexpectedly)
• Peeling or splitting bark from temperature fluctuations
• Leaning trees caused by shifting soil
• Exposed roots due to winter erosion

If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to have a tree care professional evaluate whether trimming or removal is needed to prevent further damage.

2. Schedule Spring Trimming and Pruning

Pruning is one of the most important steps in spring tree care. Removing dead, damaged, or weak branches promotes new growth and reduces the risk of falling limbs later in the season.

Benefits of Spring Trimming:

• Encourages healthy growth by shaping trees early in the season
• Prevents overgrown limbs from damaging homes, fences, or power lines
• Reduces the risk of storm-related breakage
• Helps remove weakened or hazardous branches

Important Note: Not all trees should be trimmed in spring. Oak trees should not be pruned from April to July to prevent the spread of Oak Wilt disease.

If you’re unsure when or how to trim your trees, Tree Top Climbers can assess the situation and safely remove hazardous limbs.

3. Watch for Pests and Tree Diseases

Spring is when tree pests and diseases become more active. Common threats in the Twin Cities include oak wilt, emerald ash borer infestations, and fungal infections, which can spread quickly and weaken trees.

Signs of Pest or Disease Problems:

• Leaves turning brown too early (a sign of disease or pest infestation)
• Unusual holes or marks on leaves or bark
• Fungal growth near the tree base
• Sawdust-like material around the trunk (a sign of boring insects)

Regular tree maintenance can help identify problem areas before they become severe. If you suspect an issue, Tree Top Climbers can assess your tree’s condition and determine whether trimming or removal is necessary.

4. Mulching and Fertilizing for Stronger Growth

Spring is the best time to nourish your trees after winter dormancy. Applying the right mulch and fertilizer helps roots absorb nutrients and retain moisture during the dry summer months.

Best Practices for Mulching:

• Apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the base of your tree
• Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot
• Use organic mulch like wood chips or bark to enrich the soil

Why Fertilizing Matters:

• Helps trees recover from winter stress
• Encourages stronger root development
• Improves resistance to pests and diseases

Proper fertilization and mulching can enhance tree health and make them more resistant to storm damage and environmental stress.

5. Prepare Your Trees for Summer Storms

Spring is the best time to prepare your trees for the strong storms and high winds that often hit Minneapolis and the Twin Cities during summer. Weak trees can become hazards if left unchecked.

How to Protect Your Trees from Storm Damage:

• Remove dead or weak limbs that could fall in high winds
• Trim branches away from power lines, homes, and driveways
• Inspect older or leaning trees to ensure they’re stable
• Consider removing trees that are too close to structures

Regular tree trimming reduces the risk of storm-related property damage, making your home and yard safer before severe weather arrives.

Call Tree Top Climbers for Professional Spring Tree Care

Spring is the best time to schedule tree care before summer storms hit. At Tree Top Climbers, we provide expert tree trimming, removal, and storm preparation services to help keep your property safe and well-maintained throughout the year.

Schedule a professional tree assessment today! Contact us for expert tree care in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the Twin Cities metro area.