4 Ways to Keep Your Maine Woodland Healthy

Maine is known as one of the most naturally beautiful states in the country. In particular, our forests attract thousands of tourists each year. However, as the world becomes more technologically-driven and awareness of nature decreases, we must work harder to maintain our woodlands’ health. The average person living in or near a wooded area may not know all the ways to do this, but with these four key tips anyone can help keep our woodlands healthy.

Winterize Your Trees

 Winter is a fairly long season in Maine. Cold temperatures can last all the way through March and into April, making it more difficult to tell when trees and plants are ready to bloom again. Therefore, a good winterizing plan is crucial. In mid- to late fall, begin careful pruning and continue once the tree goes fully dormant.

Prune away all dead or diseased branches and clear any overlaps. Remove all clean and visible deadwood, and prune back any branches that will touch the ground to prevent water and insect damage. After pruning, make sure all trees have a thick blanket of mulch. Measure your trees’ branch spread and cover the ground several inches deep, at least as much if not more than the branch spread. Use organic materials such as compost to ensure your trees get all possible nutrients.

Water Often

 Amateur gardeners may make the mistake of thinking dormant trees don’t need water. Remember, a live tree is a thirsty tree no matter its growing state. Be particularly vigilant if weather forecasts indicate the winter will be dry. Winter droughts often harm a tree faster than summer ones. Water trees before the soil freezes under ice and snow. If the winter is dry, double your efforts. Be aware, however, that trees are often over-watered in winter. If you’re not sure how much water certain trees need, consult a professional.

Oil Them

 Most of the time chemicals garner a bad reputation for being environmentally unfriendly and deadly to plants. The truth is, natural chemicals in the form of dormant sprays can help trees maintain their health during winter and bloom well again once spring arrives. Consider using a dormant spray for fruit trees, rosebushes and other shrubs, and ornamental trees such as holly or winterberry varieties. Most dormant sprays contain some combination of sulfur, lime, and copper, which helps kill damaging microorganisms and insects that make their homes in dormant branches. Some dormant sprays also contain oils that exclusively control insects. Always wait to spray until after pruning, and never spray on a hot day. Wait for cool, dry temperatures.

Call in the Pros

 To make sure your woodland is as healthy as possible, consider having a professional forester evaluate your property. This step is particularly beneficial if you’ve never done gardening or tree caretaking before. Many amateur gardeners worry if they see several declining trees on their property or if they spot evidence of plant diseases. Most foresters will tell you, however, that a few declining or dead trees are good for your property because they recycle nutrients into the soil. Professional foresters can also evaluate whether diseases in your garden or woodlands are at low enough levels to be safe. Contact a professional for your first lessons in silviculture today.