April is Arbor Month!

Saturday, April 20th: Run for the Trees! Register here.

Thursday, April 25th: Trees & Climate Resiliency workshop. Join us to learn about why a healthy urban forest is critical for climate resilience; the basics of planting and caring for trees all year long; and how to get involved with our community efforts to grow urban trees, shrubs, and native plants. More information here.

Plant containerized and ball-and-burlap trees. Water thoroughly and mulch.

Check the soil moisture in tree root zones. If April’s showers are not providing enough moisture to reach tree roots, water trees.

Prune branches that are dead, dying, damaged and diseased. Remove vertical suckers from the crown of the tree and at the base of the tree trunk.

The grass is growing! Protect tree trunks from damage caused by mowers and weed trimmers with a ring of mulch or caging.

Keep an eye out for pests, such as aphids, and treat accordingly. For pest identification and advice, please visit Missoula County Weed District & Extension’s website at www.missoulaeduplace.org for more information.

While temperatures stay mild and cool, it is still time to plant containerized trees.

If the skies have not been providing moisture, check the ground 4-6” deep around mature trees and water if the soil is dry. Keep newly planted trees watered regularly.

Prune branches that are dead, dying, damaged and diseased. Remove vertical suckers from the crown of the tree and at the base of the tree trunk.

Renew decomposed mulch with a 2-3” layer of new mulch to diminish weeds that are beginning to grow, to keep soil temperature cool and constant and to keep mowers and trimmers at a distance.

As trees begin to leaf out, check foliage and branch tips for any signs of nutrition deficiency such as stunted growth, smaller-than-normal leaf size, poor leaf color, early leaf drop and thinning foliage. Other factors may be contributing to these symptoms. Before applying fertilizer, consult a certified arborist or Missoula County Weed District & Extension for guidance.

Stop planting trees once the weather becomes hot and dry. Wait until early fall for more favorable conditions for successful transplanting.

Continue regular watering of newly planted trees. If there has been little to no precipitation in the past month, check soil moisture around mature trees at a depth of 4-6”. If it is dry, time to water.

Prune branches that are clearly dead or damaged. If a branch is bare, do not assume it is dead. If it can be bent, it is most likely a living branch. If a tree is showing signs of disease (e.g. galls), contact a professional regarding best time of year to remove. Sometimes pruning a diseased branch or limb will release vectors (e.g. fungus spores).

Protect tree trunks from damage caused by mowers and weed trimmers with a ring of mulch or caging.

Keep an eye out for signs of insects or disease. Not all insects are pests. Consult Missoula County Weed District & Extension’s website at www.missoulaeduplace.org for more information.

Continue regular watering of newly planted trees.

July, August and September are traditionally Missoula’s hottest and driest months. Be sure to check soil moisture at a 4-6” depth within the tree’s root zone. If the soil is dry, it’s time to water. 

If trees are damaged during strong summer storms, consult a certified arborist to evaluate and correct any wounds vulnerable to insect or disease entry. Remove any hanging or dangerous limbs and branches.

Keep trees protected from mower and weed trimmer damage with a large mulch ring or caging.

Keep an eye out for signs of insects or disease. Not all insects are pests. Consult Missoula County Weed District & Extension’s website at www.missoulaeduplace.org for more information.

Continue regular watering of newly planted trees.

If you notice signs of drought stress: wilting leaves, scorched leaves on the outer and top of canopy (the leaves furthest from the water); crown dieback from the edges and top, the trees needs water.

Keep an eye out for signs of insects or disease. Not all insects are pests. Consult Missoula County Weed District & Extension’s website at www.missoulaeduplace.org for more information.

Only remove dead, dying, damaged or diseased branches at this time.