How often should trees be trimmed or pruned?

Tree trimming should happen every 3-5 years depending on the species, age, and location. Regular trimming helps improve tree health and safety by removing dead or weak branches that could break during storms.

What should I do if a tree falls during a storm?

In the event of a fallen tree during a storm, safety is the priority. Stay away from the area and contact us immediately for emergency tree removal.

When is the best time for tree removal?

Tree removal can happen year-round, but during the dormant season (late fall to early spring), it’s often easier to assess tree health and perform removals with less impact on the surrounding landscape.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree?

Depending on your location, a permit might be required to remove a tree, especially if it’s considered a street tree or poses a hazard. Our experts can help determine whether a permit is necessary and make arrangements if needed.

What’s involved in stump removal?

Stump removal involves grinding down the stump using specialized equipment to below ground level. This helps prevent pests, improves yard aesthetics, and avoids tripping hazards.

Do you offer tree services to help protect my gutters?

Yes! While we don’t provide gutter installation or repair services, our expert tree trimming and pruning services are designed to keep your trees healthy and your gutters clear of debris.

Top 10 Tips for Tree Care in Spring: Expert Advice for Mountlake Terrace, WA

Introduction: Why Spring Tree Care Matters in Mountlake Terrace

Tree care in spring in Mountlake Terrace, WA is pivotal to the health of your trees. After enduring the cold, damp months of winter, trees are eager to emerge into the growing season—but they need your help. Proactive care in spring sets the stage for healthy growth, helps prevent disease, and prepares your trees for the warmer summer ahead. Whether you have ornamental maples, towering firs, or newly planted fruit trees, following these expert tips can keep your landscape thriving all year long.

1. Assess Tree Health After Winter

Inspect for Winter Damage

Start spring with a thorough health check. Winter storms, freezing rain, and heavy winds can leave trees stressed or damaged. Look for broken branches, cracks in the trunk, or exposed roots.

Check for Signs of Disease or Pests

Fungal issues like root rot can develop in Mountlake Terrace’s damp climate, especially after wet winters. Check for oozing sap, abnormal leaf buds, or signs of pests such as aphids or borers.

2. Prune for Healthy Growth

Timing Your Pruning

Spring pruning is essential for shaping your trees and removing damage from winter. However, timing is everything. Prune most trees in early spring, before new growth emerges. For flowering species, wait until after blooms fade.

Focus on Safety and Structure

Remove dead or diseased branches first, then thin crowded areas to improve airflow. This is particularly important for fruit trees, which are prone to fungal diseases if air circulation is poor.

3. Refresh Mulch to Protect Roots

Benefits of Spring Mulching

A fresh layer of mulch helps trees retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. In Mountlake Terrace, where spring rains are common, mulch can also prevent soil erosion around tree bases.

Apply Mulch Correctly

Spread mulch in a wide circle around the base of each tree, but keep it several inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. Aim for a 2- to 4-inch layer.

4. Test Soil and Feed as Needed

Understand Your Soil’s Needs

Healthy trees start with healthy soil. Spring is an ideal time to test your soil to check nutrient levels and pH balance. In Mountlake Terrace, acidic soils are common, which can influence how you fertilize.

Fertilize with Care

Use a slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees. For native species that are adapted to local soils, you may need little or no supplemental feeding. Newly planted trees, however, may need a nutrient boost to encourage root establishment.

5. Water Deeply, Even in Rainy Climates

Don’t Rely on Rain Alone

Although Mountlake Terrace gets plenty of spring rain, mature trees still benefit from deep watering. Rain often only moistens the surface, while deep watering encourages strong root growth.

Best Watering Techniques

Water slowly at the base of the tree, allowing moisture to soak deeply into the soil. Early morning watering is best to reduce evaporation.

6. Watch for Pests and Diseases

Know Your Local Threats

Spring is prime time for pests to emerge. In Mountlake Terrace, common tree pests include aphids, tent caterpillars, and scale insects. Watch for wilting leaves, sticky sap (a sign of honeydew), and visible insects.

Take Early Action

If you spot pests early, you can often control them with horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps. For fungal diseases like powdery mildew or apple scab, pruning and improving airflow can make a big difference.

7. Support New Growth with Proper Care

Encourage Strong Canopies

As your trees awaken from dormancy, they’ll put energy into new branches and leaves. Support this growth by maintaining soil health, watering consistently, and avoiding unnecessary stress (such as heavy pruning or construction damage).

Train Young Trees

If you’ve recently planted trees, guide their shape with gentle pruning to establish a strong central leader and balanced branching.

8. Plant New Trees in Spring

Choose the Right Tree for Your Space

Spring is the perfect time to add new trees to your landscape. Consider native species like western red cedar or bigleaf maple, which thrive in Mountlake Terrace’s climate. For smaller yards, ornamental trees like Japanese maples offer beauty without overwhelming space.

Plant with Care

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root flare (where the trunk widens at the base). Water thoroughly after planting and apply mulch to protect roots.

9. Protect Trees from Late Frosts

Stay Alert to Weather Changes

Spring in Mountlake Terrace can be unpredictable. A sudden cold snap can damage tender new growth. Keep an eye on forecasts and be ready to protect young or flowering trees with frost blankets if temperatures dip.

10. Plan for Long-Term Health

Create a Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring care is just one part of your tree’s annual needs. Use spring as a time to plan your year: schedule summer watering, fall pruning, and winter protection. Consistent care keeps trees healthy for decades.

At Mountlake Terrace Tree Service, we understand that healthy, beautiful trees are a vital part of your property’s landscape. Our expert team offers comprehensive spring tree care services, including pruning, health assessments, pest and disease management, and expert planting advice. Whether you need routine maintenance or specialized care for mature or damaged trees, we are your trusted local tree care professionals in Mountlake Terrace, WA. Contact us today to schedule your spring tree care service and ensure your trees thrive all season long.