5 Spring Tree Care Tips for Southeast Texas

As temperatures rise and days grow longer in Southeast Texas, your trees wake up from their winter dormancy ready for another growing season. Spring is a critical time for tree care, and taking the right steps now can ensure your trees thrive throughout the year. At Battalion Tree Service, we've been helping homeowners across Beaumont, Lumberton, and the greater Southeast Texas region care for their trees for over 25 years. Here are our top five spring tree care tips to keep your landscape beautiful and healthy.

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1. Deep Water Your Trees After Winter Drought

After months of cooler temperatures and reduced rainfall, your trees are thirsty. Winter in Southeast Texas can be deceptively dry, and many trees enter spring in a state of mild water stress. Deep watering encourages strong root development and helps trees recover from winter dormancy.

How to do it properly: Rather than frequent shallow watering, give your trees a deep soak once or twice a week. Place a garden hose at the base of the tree and let it trickle slowly for 30-60 minutes. For mature trees, water to a depth of at least 12-18 inches. This encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, making trees more drought-resistant throughout the summer.

New plantings and young trees (those under 3 years) need more frequent watering—typically 2-3 times per week during spring. Mulching around the base of trees helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature as temperatures climb.

2. Inspect for Winter Damage and Disease

Winter storms, freezing temperatures, and high winds can cause hidden damage to your trees. Early spring is the perfect time to conduct a thorough visual inspection before new growth masks problems. Look for these warning signs:

• Broken or hanging branches — Storm damage that didn't fall during winter
• Cracks or splits in trunks — Frost cracks are common in our fluctuating Texas winters
• Dead or dying branches — Look for branches that don't have any buds or have brittle, brown bark
• Fungal growth — Mushrooms, conks, or shelf fungi at the base indicate decay
• Leaning trees — Root damage from saturated soils can cause trees to lean

If you notice any of these issues, contact a certified arborist immediately. Removing damaged branches properly is crucial—incorrect pruning can cause more harm than good. Our team at Battalion Tree Service provides free assessments to help you identify and address tree hazards before they become dangerous.

3. Apply Fresh Mulch for Moisture and Protection

Mulching is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your trees in spring. A 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of your trees provides numerous benefits:

• Retains soil moisture — Reduces evaporation and watering needs
• Regulates soil temperature — Keeps roots cool as summer heat arrives
• Suppresses weeds — Reduces competition for water and nutrients
• Adds organic matter — As mulch decomposes, it enriches the soil
• Prevents lawn mower damage — Creates a clear boundary around trees

Pro tip: Keep mulch 2-3 inches away from the tree trunk. Piling mulch directly against the bark can trap moisture and lead to rot and insect problems. Extend the mulch ring out to the tree's drip line (the area under the outermost branches) for maximum benefit.

4. Time Your Pruning Correctly

Spring is an excellent time for most tree pruning in Southeast Texas, but timing matters. Late winter to early spring, before new growth begins, is ideal for most species. Here's what to focus on:

Remove dead, diseased, or damaged wood — This should be done as soon as you notice it, regardless of season.

Thin the canopy — Selective removal of interior branches improves air circulation and reduces disease risk.

Shape young trees — Guide the structure of trees under 5 years old by removing competing leaders and establishing strong branch spacing.

Avoid spring blooming trees: If you have trees that flower in early spring (like redbuds or dogwoods), wait until after they bloom to prune. These trees set their flower buds in fall, and pruning before blooming removes next year's flowers.

Never remove more than 25% of a tree's living canopy in a single year. Excessive pruning stresses trees and can lead to sunscald, weak growth, and disease susceptibility.

5. Watch for Spring Pests and Diseases

As temperatures warm, insects and diseases become active. Southeast Texas trees face several common springtime threats:

Insects to watch for:

• Aphids — Small insects that cluster on new growth, causing curled leaves and sticky honeydew
• Scale insects — immobile pests that attach to branches and suck sap
• Bark beetles — Tiny beetles that can kill stressed trees by tunneling under bark
• Webworms — Caterpillars that create webbing in tree canopies

Common diseases:

• Oak wilt — A deadly fungal disease affecting oak trees; avoid pruning oaks from February-June
• Leaf spot — Fungal infections causing brown or black spots on leaves
• Root rot — Often occurs in poorly drained soils, causing decline and death

Early detection is key to successful treatment. Inspect your trees weekly during spring for any signs of pest or disease activity. If you spot problems, contact a professional arborist for diagnosis and treatment options. Many issues are much easier to manage when caught early.

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Conclusion: Set Your Trees Up for Success

Spring tree care is an investment in your landscape's future. By following these five tips—deep watering, inspecting for damage, mulching, proper pruning, and monitoring for pests—you'll give your trees the best possible start to the growing season.

At Battalion Tree Service, we're passionate about helping Southeast Texas homeowners maintain healthy, beautiful trees. Whether you need a professional inspection, pruning services, or advice on tree care, our certified arborists are here to help. Contact us today at (409) 673-5443 for a free consultation. Let's make this your trees' best year yet!