9 Reasons to Consult an Arborist Before Planting Trees

With the arrival of spring, many of us are looking forward to planting our gardens and sprucing up our outdoor spaces. However, before you begin this work, it’s essential to consult a professional tree company.

Arborists are trained professionals who focus on caring for, studying, and removing mature trees. They are knowledgeable about the health of trees. They can advise you on how to best proceed with your spring planting.

Before planting in the spring, you should talk to a professional to ensure your outdoor space is healthy and safe.

In this Viva Tip, we’ll tell you why you need to talk to an arborist before planting in the spring to ensure everything goes well. We’ll discuss the benefits of doing so and how to find and consult with one.

Regular tree health checkups are essential for maintaining the health and beauty of your trees. Check out Viva Tips’ guide to tree health for a comprehensive checklist and expert advice on proper tree care techniques.

Talking to a professional before planting can ensure your outdoor space is safe and healthy.

1. Check for Damage or Issues

Before planting in the spring, you should talk to an arborist to find out if your trees and shrubs have any damage or problems that could hurt their health. An arborist will inspect your trees and shrubs for signs of disease, infestation, or poor health.

They’ll also be able to look for weak limbs, cracks, and deadwood, which can be hazardous and cause injury or property damage if left unrepaired.

An arborist can also identify potential hazards, such as dead branches that could fall and damage your property. Damage can occur during the winter months that goes unnoticed until it’s too late.

At Viva Trees, our consultation services can give you peace of mind and the knowledge to properly care for your trees and shrubs this spring and decide if you need any emergency tree services.

2. Assess the Environment

Before suggesting trees, a professional can look at your property and consider how much sunlight the area gets and where utility lines are. This can help ensure that the trees you plant are well-suited to your site and will thrive in their new location.

An arborist can also help you decide where to plant trees by looking at their root systems and how much room they need to grow. This is especially important if you have limited space or want to plant multiple trees in a small area.

With the help of an arborist, you can find the best place for your tree and get clear instructions on how to plant it. This will ensure your tree has a healthy start and can thrive in its new environment.

3. Sustainability To Avoid Problems

Planting a tree in the wrong location can lead to problems down the road, such as root damage to sidewalks and foundations or the need for frequent pruning to maintain the tree’s size and shape. A professional can help you choose a sustainable tree that will not cause future issues.

Aside from making sure you pick the right tree for the right spot, talking to an arborist before planting in the spring can also help you avoid problems. Winter pruning can help prepare a tree for the upcoming growing season. Planting at the wrong time can put a tree at risk of damage due to weather conditions.

An arborist can advise you on the best time to plant your trees and how to correctly care for them throughout the year.

4. Focus on the Future Growth

Trees can grow huge over time, and it’s essential to consider the mature size of a tree before planting it. A professional can help you choose trees that grow manageably where you want them. This will save you the trouble and cost of removing or moving them in the future.

By planting your tree in the right spot from the start, you can ensure it will thrive and provide shade and beauty for years.

This can prevent future damage like foundation cracking, blocked views, and root damage to sidewalks and driveways.

5. Learn Tree-planting Requirements

Planting and caring for trees can be physically demanding and potentially dangerous work. Professionals have the necessary training and equipment to safely plant and care for trees.

Depending on the size of the tree, the hole may need to be dug by hand or machine. The hole’s size must also be considered, as it needs to be large enough for the roots to spread out and establish themselves.

If the property’s ground is very rocky, an arborist can help you determine the best way to break up the soil and prepare it for planting.

6. Existing Trees and Plants

Before you begin spring planting, closely examining the trees and plants already established in your landscape is essential. You will get help identifying existing plants and trees and advice on maintaining them best.

This can include finding pests, diseases, or other problems, pruning, fertilizing, and general maintenance.

The arborist can tell you if you should remove or replace a tree or plant. Knowing what’s already in your landscape is essential to successful planting this spring.

An arborist can help you with tree selection this spring before planting.

7. Determine Soil Type and Condition

Before you begin planting, you should determine the soil type and condition of the area you will be planting, including sun exposure.

Different soil types may need extra work, like conditioning or composting, to help plants grow at their best. An arborist can help you determine what kind of soil you have and tell you how to prepare the ground for the best planting conditions.

They can advise keeping the soil healthy to promote plant growth and prevent soil-borne diseases.

8. Detect Potential Pests or Diseases

Before you plant in the spring, you must know what pests or diseases your plants might be vulnerable to. Pests and diseases can cause significant damage to your plants and cost you a lot of money in treatments and replacements.

An arborist can inform you about the types of pests and diseases that may be present in your area and how to protect your plants from them.

They will also be able to tell you how to monitor for signs of pests or diseases and how to treat them if necessary.

9. Create a Future Maintenance Plan

After you’ve consulted with an arborist and the planning is done, the next step is to create a plan for future maintenance, water requirements, and care, depending on the tree type. This can include regular pruning and trimming, fertilization, pest, and disease control, the use of mulch, and checking for signs of decline.

Maintenance is essential if you want your trees to stay healthy and work well for many years. You will receive the best advice on the best time and how to care for your trees and keep them in good condition.

An arborist can also provide the cost of pruning your trees and shrubs. Pruning is an integral part of keeping a healthy landscape because it helps keep the structure of the branches and encourages healthy growth.

This should also involve cutting off dead or sick branches, thinning the bigger ones, and shaping the canopy.

Talking to an arborist before you start planting in the spring ensures that your trees and shrubs are well taken care of and have strong branch structures supporting new growth this season.

Conclusion

In conclusion, consulting an arborist before spring planting is a great way to ensure that you are planting in the best place for shrub and tree health.

An arborist can also advise how to care for your plants to promote healthy growth.

Remember, a healthy tree is a valuable asset, so take the necessary measures to ensure your trees and plants thrive this spring.