Here are some tips on how to do a good maintenance follow-up on your trees and shrubs.
Mulch
In the spring, turn over the mulch to loosen it. Add extra mulch if necessary to ensure that it is thick enough.
Staking
Check and adjust any stakes in order to avoid injury to trees and shrubs. Remove them if they are no longer needed.
Protecting the trunk
Protection against mechanical damage
Applying organic mulch to the base of trees and shrubs helps prevent damage from lawnmowers, edge trimmers, etc.
If you do not apply mulch, it is possible to temporarily protect the trunk of a young tree by wrapping it with a plastic sleeve. However, make sure that the sleeve isn’t touching the trunk. If it does, it will keep the bark moist and make it more susceptible to injury, insect pests and canker and fungal infections. This protection must be in place for a limited period and must not compromise the tree's growth.
Protection against rodents
You can install a white, perforated wrap or a wire mesh around the trunk of young trees to protect them from rodent damage during winter. Remove the protection in the spring.
Pruning
At planting time, only dead, diseased, broken or crossing branches should be removed. After that, different kinds of pruning can be done, if necessary.
Fertilizing
Trees and shrubs do not need to be fertilized at planting time, unless they have been damaged or show any signs of weakness.
Inspection
Inspect trees and shrubs regularly to make sure they are free from injuries, insects and disease. If necessary, take action using ecological control methods.
