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.