Tree Troubleshooting 101: What Your Trees Actually Need to Survive the Year

If you're reading this, you're probably already one of us: the kind of person who cares about their trees. Whether you're nurturing a young sapling or looking after a few old giants, tree care doesn't have to be complicated, but it does have to be consistent.

This guide isn’t about gimmicks. It’s about what actually works when it comes to keeping trees alive, growing, and thriving all year round.

Watering: The Most Common Mistake We See

Water management is the single most important factor for tree health. One of the most common mistakes we see is simply this: overwatering or underwatering.

While there are complex scientific methods to determine how much water a tree needs (think: transpiration rates, water use efficiency, and photosynthesis), the most practical place to start is by understanding your soil type.

• Sandy soil has a fast infiltration rate and will need frequent watering.

• Clay-rich soil binds water tightly, holds moisture longer, and can easily become waterlogged.

• Loam sits in between but still needs thoughtful irrigation.

  
  

Young trees typically need water 3–4 times per week to help their roots establish. Older trees (like mature oaks) usually don’t need extra watering. Their root systems are deep and well-established, and their growth rate is slower, meaning lower water demand.

How to Know If You’re Over or Underwatering

The easiest way to check if your soil is holding the right amount of moisture is with the hand test.

1. Use a shovel or auger to grab a sample from the depth you want to test.

2. Squeeze the soil into a rough sausage shape.

3. Check:

   • If water runs out, it’s too wet.

   • If it falls apart and feels dusty, it’s too dry.

   • If it holds shape but doesn’t drip, you’re on the right track.

     
     

This method takes practice, but it’s a reliable and easy way to stay on top of your watering.

How to Keep Soil Moist - Or Let It Drain

Once your watering is on point, the next step is to retain moisture - especially in dry seasons.

Two easy ways:

• Mulching: Apply straw, bark, or even cardboard to stop water from evaporating.

• Cover crops: Low-growing grasses or legumes keep the soil cool, reduce evaporation, and (bonus!) help with nitrogen fixation.

  
  

On the flip side, too much water is just as harmful. Waterlogged soils limit oxygen access to the roots, which can choke your tree’s ability to function.

Drainage matters. Installing a pipe underground without understanding your soil, slope, or water table usually ends badly. In these cases, it’s best to consult a professional.

Should You Be Fertilizing? (Probably Not as Often as You Think)

Trees, like all plants, need nutrients to survive and thrive.

These are divided into:

• Macronutrients: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Sulphur, Magnesium.

• Micronutrients: Iron, Boron, Chlorine, Manganese, Zinc, Copper, Molybdenum, Nickel.

  
  

Although most soils contain these nutrients, their availability depends on factors like pH, moisture, and soil biology.

Here’s a key principle: Liebig’s Law of the Minimum states that growth is limited by the most deficient nutrient, even if all others are present in abundance.

If you’re not farming commercially and your tree looks healthy, you don’t need to fertilize often. But for general tree wellness, we recommend one annual compost application during the growing season.

• Inorganic fertilizers are great for commercial setups.

• For home gardens, good compost builds carbon levels, promotes microbial life, and boosts nutrient uptake in a more natural way.

Why Pruning Matters More Than You Think

After watering and nutrients, pruning plays a major role in your tree’s long-term health. It’s not just about looks, it helps manage structure, air flow, and even disease.

Winter pruning is essential for both deciduous and evergreen trees, helping to:

• Stimulate healthy growth

• Remove dead or damaged limbs

• Improve aesthetics

• Manage disease risks

  
  

Summer pruning is more targeted, used for:

• Redirecting growth

• Shaping the canopy

• Adjusting flowering or fruiting

  
  

Pruning affects your tree’s energy use, so be intentional:

• Have a plan

• Use clean, sharp tools

• Seal larger cuts

• Monitor the tree’s response

  
  

Everything from the cut angle to the depth matters - so don’t wing it.

How to Catch Problems Before They Spread

One of the best things you can do is keep an eye out year-round for signs of pests or disease.

Look for:

• Chewed bark or leaves

• Branch dieback

• Fine sawdust or boreholes

• Weak or stunted growth

  
  

We work closely with top entomologists and plant pathology labs to identify problems early and offer the best control options available. Many pest and disease issues can be resolved quickly if caught early, so don’t wait until the damage is obvious.

Ventilation is key. As we mentioned in the pruning section, a well-pruned tree with good air movement is much less likely to become a breeding ground for fungal infections or pests.

Also: Clear away any dead or diseased material from the area, or it could spread pathogens to nearby plants.

Trees Under Stress Attract More Trouble

Environmental stress (like drought, flooding, or low nutrients) makes trees way more vulnerable to pests and disease.

Even a small pest issue can turn into a full infestation if the tree is already struggling. This is why regular care, not just emergency fixes, is so important.

If your tree looks off, don’t leave it. Contact a tree health professional before it becomes a bigger problem.

What Your Tree Needs, Season by Season

Spring

• Check for winter damage

• Water regularly as the weather warms

• Mulch to trap moisture and protect roots

• Prune deadwood and problem limbs

• Start pest inspections

Summer

• Deep water during dry spells

• Inspect for pests and disease

• Prune if needed for structure or safety

• Top up mulch if needed

• Shade young trees if sun damage is likely

Autumn

• Slow down watering, but don’t stop cold

• Rake leaves and clear debris

• Apply compost or slow-release fertilizer

• Prune anything weak or dying

• Mulch again before frost hits

Winter

• No pruning: trees are dormant

• Check young trees after storms or heavy snow

• Gently clear snow from branches if needed

• Keep an eye out for stress signs

• Prep for spring pruning and feeding

Want us to take a look at your tree care setup or flag possible risks?

We’re just a call away, and always happy to help you keep your trees thriving.

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Thanks for being a contributing member of our urban forest

The OA Team

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