Caring for trees in Toronto can be challenging with its ever-shifting climate and stark all-season contrasts. This guide will help you not only to provide proper seasonal care for your trees, but also to mitigate risk, and plan for the year ahead.
Spring, Waking Up After a Big Sleep
Spring, spanning March and April in Toronto, is ideal for gardening and checking tree health. As the snow melts and days grow longer, it’s a good time to call Heritage Tree Care for a “check-up.” An arborist examines trees for winter storm damage, like broken branches or splits, and treats them early to prevent disease.
Spring is also perfect for pruning. Removing dead or weak limbs stimulates new growth and reduces the risk of branch drop-offs during summer storms. Pruning during dormancy minimizes the spread of fungi-causing diseases, as low temperatures keep them inactive.
Summer, Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance!
When temperatures rise (and Toronto can reach up to 33°C!), trimming becomes essential to maintain the shape of your trees. Trimming during summer, combined with removing deadwood, increases sunlight and airflow, reducing humidity that fosters fungi like Wood Destroying Organisms (WDOs). This keeps your trees healthy, safe, and looking their best.
In late summer, Toronto often experiences dry spells. During these times, water your trees daily, paying extra attention to young or weakened ones. Mulching is also crucial—it conserves soil moisture and regulates root-zone temperatures. Applying a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base, while keeping it away from the main stem, can significantly improve growth and overall health.
Autumn: The Big Clean Up
Autumn is a season of cleanup. Late September through early December is the best time to grind stumps or remove trees. Broken limbs, overhanging branches, or large limbs over streets can pose winter risks as snow adds weight. Call Heritage Tree Care for a free assessment by a certified arborist to identify and address these risks before costly damage occurs. Removing dead or rotting trees also prevents insect infestations.
Autumn is ideal for pruning or removing oaks to prevent the spread of Oak Wilt, as this must be done in colder months. Toward the season’s end, as temperatures drop, wrap sensitive trees like cedars and saplings in burlap to protect them from harsh winds and snow. Start at the top and wrap downward in a spiral to ensure proper coverage.
Winter: Keeping Watch & Urgent Care
Typically there won’t be too much for you to do during the winter, just sit and enjoy the beauty of your snowy trees from a window while enjoying a warm drink in the comfort of your home! However, emergency situations do arise, and in the event that they do, it’s best to call Heritage Tree Care right away. Trees are often at their weakest points during winter when severe thunderstorms can lead to branches falling on properties, vehicles or worse— power lines. Our arborists expertly handle even the trickiest situations, upholding uncompromising safety standards and ensuring speedy response times.
Conclusion
Throughout every season, proper tree care is a year round commitment that should take into account specific challenges. You can ensure that your Toronto property has trees which remain beautiful and vibrant by following this guide. For more detailed advice about maintaining them or scheduling services such as pruning, visit the Heritage Tree Care website. Whether you need routine arborist work or emergency tree care, professionals must maintain tree health and safety at all times.. Keep your urban forest thriving all year long with help from local experts like those at Heritage Tree Care.