Spring in Arkansas brings new growth, blooming trees, and the onset of storm season. It's the ideal time to assess winter damage, address tree problems, and set your landscape up for a healthy growing season. A few hours of spring prep now can prevent costly problems later.
Inspect for Winter Damage
Winter in Arkansas means ice storms, occasional heavy snow, and temperature swings. Trees absorb damage that isn't always obvious until spring growth begins.
Walk your property in late February or early March and look for:
- Dead branches hanging from the crown or split from the trunk
- Branches that were bent down by ice or snow and didn't spring back
- Cracks or splits in the trunk, especially at the base
- Bark stripped or peeling off, common from deer rub or heavy ice
- Branches bent at odd angles that haven't recovered
Hanging dead branches are hazards. They can fall without warning, especially during spring storms. Small branches can be pruned off yourself with basic tools, but large dead branches should be removed by a professional with proper rigging to prevent injury.
Schedule Spring Pruning and Trimming
Early spring (late February through March) is ideal for pruning most trees. The tree hasn't fully leafed out yet, so you can see the structure clearly. Wounds made now will heal well as the tree enters active growth.
Spring pruning should focus on:
- Removing dead or diseased wood
- Eliminating crossing branches or branches growing inward
- Opening the canopy to improve air flow and light penetration
- Removing branches that are hazardously low or interfering with structures
Professional tree trimming ensures proper cuts and healthy recovery. Poor pruning can introduce disease or create new hazards.
Focus on larger shade trees, oaks, maples, hickories, and any ornamentals that are overgrown or have visible dead wood. Spring-flowering trees like dogwood and redbud should be pruned immediately after they bloom to avoid cutting off next year's flowers.
Check for Disease and Pest Activity
Spring is when many tree diseases become visible and pests emerge from dormancy. Look for signs of problems:
- Cankers (sunken, discolored patches) on branches or trunk
- Fungal growth, mushroom shelves, or fruiting bodies on the trunk
- Sawdust or small holes indicating boring insects
- Leaf spots or unusual discoloration once leaves emerge
- Oozing sap or unusual discharge from the trunk
Arkansas is home to several tree diseases, oak wilt (in red oaks), anthracnose (in sycamores and ashes), and various canker diseases. Early identification makes treatment more effective, and some diseases are treatable if caught soon enough.
Our arborist services include assessment and recommendations for disease management. If you're unsure whether a tree is healthy, a professional evaluation is worthwhile.
Mulch and Water Properly
Spring growth requires resources. Mulch helps retain soil moisture and regulates temperature around the root zone.
Apply 2–4 inches of wood mulch in a circle around the base, keeping it 4–6 inches away from the trunk itself. Mulch piled against the trunk promotes rot and pest issues. A wider mulch circle, extending to the drip line of the canopy, is better than a small ring.
Arkansas spring weather is often dry before summer rains begin. New growth demands water. If spring hasn't brought regular rain, water established trees deeply once a week. Young trees need more frequent watering. A slow soaker hose is more effective than sprinklers for delivering water to the root zone.
Prepare for Spring Storm Season
Arkansas springs bring thunderstorms, high winds, and occasionally tornadoes and severe weather. Trees weakened by winter damage are more prone to failure.
Ensure dead branches are removed and that tree structure is sound before storm season peaks in April and May. A tree that made it through winter may not survive a spring storm if it's already compromised.
If you identified hazardous trees during your inspection, schedule removal or repair now. It's harder to find professional crews during peak storm season when demand is high.
Check Newly Planted Trees
If you planted trees last fall, spring is when you'll see whether they survived the winter and took root successfully. Look for:
- Signs of new growth, buds, new leaves, or branch elongation
- Adequate soil moisture around the base (not waterlogged, not bone-dry)
- Bark that looks healthy and isn't shriveled
- Stable positioning with no leaning or looseness
Water new trees regularly through spring. The root system hasn't fully developed, so they're dependent on consistent moisture.
Call for a Professional Assessment
If you're unsure about tree health or damage, a professional assessment takes the guesswork out. We provide tree trimming and arborist services throughout the Gurdon area, and spring assessments are one of our busiest times.
Our team can walk your property, identify winter damage, recommend pruning, and flag any disease or hazard issues. Most assessments are quick and help you prioritize your spring tree work.
Spring is the time to invest in tree health. Address damage now, and your trees will be stronger and safer heading into summer and fall. Contact Elite Tree Service to schedule your spring assessment.
Call (870) 403-6290 to book an appointment. We have 40+ combined years of crew experience and can help you get your landscape ready for the season.