NORWICH – Spring is here, and City of Norwich Street Tree Commission representatives are asking residents to consider a few things they can do to keep trees healthy.

According to City of Norwich Street Tree Commission Board Member Rebecca Hargrave, one easy step that residents can take is to refresh mulch at the base of trees.

“Mulch holds moisture, prevents weeds, prevents mower and string-trimmer damage, and can add beauty to a landscape,” said Hargrave. “Spread a ring of mulch over the root system of your tree, as wide as you’d like to go.”

“Mulch should be no more than two to four inches thick and pulled back so that it’s not touching the trunk.”

She said there are many types of mulch individuals can use, and all work well to protect trees, but bark and woodchip mulch also add nutrients as they decompose.

She added that now is a good time to check staking and bark protectors.

“Tree stakes should only be in place for one or two years after planting,” said Hargrave. “Ensure the straps from the stakes are not too tight; the tree should be able to sway in the wind.”

“Bark wraps and protectors should be loose enough to allow for new growth.”

Hargrave said for the people who have wrapped their trees in lights for winter, either remove the lights for the growing season or readjust the strands to allow for tree growth. She said as the trunk and branches grow larger, they can be strangled by wires that are too tight or cause shorts in wires that break.

“If you’re worried your tree isn’t growing well, don’t just fertilize it, test the soil to see what it needs,” she added. “Adding fertilizer to a sick tree often will make the problem worse.”

“If the soil is low on a nutrient, adding fertilizer can help, but you need to know which nutrient and how much to add.”

She said Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County, at (607) 334-5841 or ccechenango.org/, can help with submitting a soil test to Cornell/Dairy One. CCE Chenango can also help with other landscape and garden questions.

Hargrave recommended checking your tree for structure or damage now while the leaves are still off as the limbs are easier to see.

“Spend a moment and check for dead or diseased branches,” she said. “If you can easily prune them off, do so.”

“If they are too high or too large, please hire a tree care service. Don’t be tempted to prune limbs while standing on a ladder, many people injure themselves, or worse, due to ladder falls each year.”

Pruning tips can be found at treesaregood.org/treeowner for those seeking additional information.

– By Zachary Meseck, Sun Staff Writer