How to Care for Spring Blooming Ornamental Trees

Providing regular, yearly maintenance of ornamental trees will ensure healthy, strong trees. Newly planted ornamental trees will require more care in the beginning but will produce an abundance of blooms once established. You should choose an ornamental tree suited to the conditions of the landscape in which you are planting it. Read on to learn how to care for spring blooming ornamental trees.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pruning tools
• Fencing for young trees

1. Note that newly planted ornamental trees will require more care in the first year. Apply mulch around the tree, taking care not to pile it up against the trunk. Place a protective fence around the trunk to keep animals from gnawing on the tender trunk.

2. Keep the ornamental tree well watered during dry spells. A long, slow soaking is better than large amounts of water in a short time. Large amounts of water will simply run off and leave the roots dry.

3. Prune the ornamental tree in the spring after the flowering period has ended. Remove any dead, diseased or weak branches and shape the tree in the direction that is aesthetically appealing.

4. Remove faded blooms to promote stronger growth for next year's blooms.

5. Fertilize the tree during the spring with a fertilizer made especially for trees. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for fertilizer application.

6. Mix shredded leaves and fine-processed mulch together in the fall. Place the mulch around the tree, taking care not to pile the mulch up against the trunk. This fall application of mulch will supply nutrients and protection for the winter.

Tips & Warnings

• Place the ornamental tree in the proper place in the landscape where the soil and sun requirements are a good match.
• Do not wrap an ornamental tree as it promotes disease and inhibits growth.
• Do not apply fertilizer in late summer. This will encourage growth and the tree may not harden off in time for winter.