Palm trees are one of the most decorative and unique trees that you'll find in the warmer, more tropical climates. When properly cared for, these trees can be beautiful and full of foliage. However, knowing how to care for them isn't always easy. That's probably why you're here. If it is, then you're in the right place. This site is dedicated to the care and maintenance of all sorts of trees, including tropical varieties like palm trees. The information on this page can help you to understand which of the basic care steps you can do yourself and which steps are best done by a local tree service.
Same Peterson
Homeowners prize crabapple trees for their showcase of blooms every spring. These trees are hardy, but learning how to provide the proper care for your tree will ensure a gorgeous tree for years to come.
Feed Your Tree
Fertilizing your crabapple is the most important thing you can do to maintain your tree's health and guarantee some show-stopping blooms in the spring. Thankfully, feeding your tree doesn't have to be complicated. There are two main ways to fertilize your tree, one with mulch and the other with fertilizer.
Mulching is the most basic way of feeding your tree. Use store-bought mulch or mulch from a non-diseased tree. A small layer of mulch is enough to fertilize it for the entire year. Too thick of a layer of mulch can smother the roots and do more harm than good.
An alternative to mulching is to fertilize the ground surrounding the tree. The root system spreads for several feet beyond the crown of the tree. You'll want to apply a tree specific fertilizer to this entire area every spring.
Brace For Weight
Bracing is an underutilized way to support your tree. Early in your crabapple's life, wooden stakes and ties are used to help the tree remain upright and stabilize it.
Later on, crabapple trees can lose limbs due to the weight of their blooms and apples. Instead of stakes and ties, bolts and steel cabling are used to ensure the limbs move as little as possible. Applying braces to weighty branches will help protect them during foul weather and take some weight off the limbs. Steel braces should be applied by a tree care specialist to prevent pathogens from being introduced to the tree.
Prune For Health
Pruning helps maintain the health of your crabapple. Focus on pruning branches while they're dormant during late winter or early spring. Cull any branch infected with tree canker or fungus. Always trim your tree when it's dry to prevent illnesses from infecting your crabapple.
Plan what branches to remove before you begin cutting. While you want to create a pleasing shape, focus primarily on creating space between the main limbs. This space between limbs prevents the spread of disease.
If you're unsure how to prune your crabapple or you need help, reach out to your local tree care specialist. They will be able to work with you to shape the tree in a way that's pleasing to the eye and best for the tree's health. Contact a tree trimming service for more information.