What should you check on trees in early spring?

Look for swelling buds, winter damage, bark cracks, broken branches, and soil conditions around the root zone.

By March, signs of life begin returning to trees across Northwest Indiana. Buds swell, sap flow increases, and the landscape slowly transitions out of dormancy. While leaves have not yet emerged, this early spring window is one of the best times to check in on tree health.

A careful look now can reveal concerns that may have developed during winter.

Check for Winter Damage

Snow, ice, and strong winds can leave behind broken limbs or partially cracked branches. These may not always be obvious from a distance.

Look for:

• hanging branches
• splits at branch attachments
• limbs resting against structures or other branches

Removing damaged limbs before full leaf out helps reduce stress on the tree and prevents additional failure later.

Watch Bud Development

Healthy trees begin forming visible buds as temperatures rise. Buds should appear firm and evenly distributed across branches.

If certain branches show no bud development while others do, this may indicate winter injury or structural stress.

Examine the Root Area

As snow melts and soils thaw, it becomes easier to inspect the base of your trees.

Check for:

• exposed roots
• soil heaving from freeze cycles
• mulch piled against the trunk

Keeping mulch a few inches away from the trunk allows air flow and reduces moisture related problems.

Look for Bark Changes

Early spring sunlight can reveal bark cracks or areas of stress caused by winter temperature swings. These often appear as long vertical splits.

Many trees can recover from minor cracking, but deeper damage should be evaluated.

Why Early Spring Observation Matters

March provides a rare window when trees are visible, accessible, and not yet fully active. Identifying concerns now makes it easier to plan pruning or monitoring before rapid spring growth begins.

REMEMBER: Healthy trees respond best when issues are addressed early.

Final Thoughts

Trees are beginning to wake up, even if the landscape still looks quiet. A simple early spring inspection helps ensure they enter the growing season strong.

Contact us today to schedule YOUR tree inspection. Call 219-331-5901