Your plants and trees have spent the whole winter resting, and their root systems have been keeping everything stable and healthy. But if the roots are struggling to find air or water, everything else will eventually wilt. Taking time to focus on the ground during your spring cleaning is a wonderful way to show your plants and trees some love.
Clearing the Path for Water and Air
To get your yard and garden off to a good start, you need to clean up all the leaves and other debris. Having some leaves around is good for the soil because they provide nutrients when they break down. However, too much will block the roots from receiving oxygen, and they will trap moisture that will lead to root rot.
Use a light rake to pull that gunk away until you can see the natural soil again. Once the ground can breathe, you will notice your plants looking much more energetic in just a few days.
Loosening Up the Hard Winter Ground
After months of being exposed to winter elements, the soil in your yard can become as hard as a brick. This makes it nearly impossible for new roots to expand. When the dirt is too tight, the tiny root hairs cannot push through to find the nutrients they need to stay strong. You can help your garden by using a garden fork to gently poke holes in the soil around the base of your shrubs and trees.
Feeding the Soil With the Right Mulch
Many people think that more mulch is always better. However, piling it up too high can actually hurt the very roots you are trying to help. Apply a thin layer of organic mulch that covers the soil without touching the actual trunk of the tree or the stems of your flowers.
This layer keeps the roots cool during the day and warm at night while also holding in much-needed moisture. As the mulch breaks down, it turns into natural food that the roots can easily soak up.
Watching for Warning Signs in the Canopy
If you want to know how the roots are doing, look at the very top of the plant. When a root system is struggling, the leaves might come out smaller than usual, or the tips of the branches might stay bare long after the rest of the yard has turned green. Sometimes a plant or tree just needs a little extra water or a bit of compost to get its roots back on track.
Taking the time this spring to care for your root systems will help your garden truly stand the test of time. Once you finish these chores, you can look out at your yard with a real sense of pride. If you live in Holliston, MA or a surrounding area and need root zone services, make your first call to Tree Specialists.
