Continue winter pruning until the temperatures are above freezing.

Plant bare root trees as soon as the ground has thawed. Water thoroughly and mulch.

If there has been little to no precipitation, water trees. Trees planted the previous fall are more vulnerable to desiccation during dry, windy conditions.

Register for Run for the Trees at www.runwildmissoula.org.

Gently remove heavy snow and ice from branches with an upward sweep of a broom or rake to prevent branches from breaking under the weight.

Continue winter pruning except on the trees that “bleed” (maple, elm, aspen, birch) until the temperatures are above freezing.

On sunny, warm days, check the soil moisture 4-6” deep around your trees’ root zones to see if they need winter watering, especially if there has been inadequate rain or snow. Water when the temperatures are above freezing and the ground is not frozen solid.

Plan spring tree planting using the Right Tree in the Right Place principles.

Order bare-root trees for spring planting.

Continue winter pruning to establish a healthy form and structure.

During extensive dry periods, check soil moisture at 4-6” depth. If necessary, water early in the day when temperatures are above freezing.

If a newly planted tree is exposed to strong winter winds, either stake the tree for the winter or construct a burlap barrier.

Plan spring tree planting using the Right Tree in the Right Place principles.

Begin winter pruning to create a healthy canopy. To learn more about pruning, click here.

Only plant trees if the ground remains unfrozen. Water thoroughly and mulch planting area.

Continue regular watering of newly planted trees until the ground freezes.

Water mature trees if there has been no rain or snow to provide moisture. Check for soil moisture 4-6” deep.

Prune dead, dying, damaged and diseases branches.

Continue regular watering of newly planted trees.

Water established trees during periods of drought.

Prune branches that are clearly dead or damaged. 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) and cause the disease to spread.

Protect trees from deer/elk rub and from rodents eating the bark.

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.

Plant trees before the ground freezes! According to the Arbor Day Foundation, “Fall is for Tree Planting. While spring is usually the first season that comes to mind when people think of tree planting, fall is also a great time of year to successfully get trees in the ground. Mild temperatures mean less stress on seedlings and less watering for you. Also, roots begin to become established in the fall, giving young trees a little extra time to develop a strong root system before the heat of the next summer sets in.”

Place a 4-inch layer of mulch a few inches away from the trunk to keep soil temperatures constant throughout the year, to retain soil moisture and to eliminate competitive weeds.

Continue regular watering of newly planted trees until the ground freezes.

Water mature deciduous and conifer trees if the ground is dry 4-6” down.

Prune branches that are clearly dead or damaged. 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) and cause the disease to spread.