Year-Round Tree Care Tips for Boise Homeowners
Quick answer: In Boise's semi-arid climate, the biggest things you can do for your trees are deep, slow watering in summer, a ring of mulch, pruning in late winter, and a quick check for dead limbs and weak forks before the windy seasons.
Spring
- Look for winter damage: broken limbs, cracks and splits.
- Plant new trees in early spring before bud break, or in fall after leaf drop, as the City of Boise recommends.
- Choose the right tree for the space. The City publishes a tree selection guide, and near power lines Idaho Power recommends small trees that stay under about 25 feet.
Summer
- Water deeply and slowly over the root zone, which spreads well beyond the trunk. Lawn sprinklers alone often water too shallowly for trees.
- Mulch 2–4 inches deep in a wide ring, and keep it off the trunk.
- Watch for scorched leaves or early leaf drop, which are signs of drought stress.
Fall
- Keep watering young trees until the ground freezes.
- Plant new trees after leaf drop.
- Book dormant-season pruning for late winter.
Winter
- Prune most deciduous trees while they're dormant. When to trim →
- Knock heavy snow off small trees and shrubs gently.
- Water young trees during long dry, mild spells.
Before windy weather
- Remove dead and hanging limbs.
- Have large trees near the house checked for weak forks and decay.
- Consider cabling for weak unions. Cabling & bracing →
Sources: City of Boise: Tree Care · City of Boise: Tree Selection Guide · Idaho Power: trees & safety