The Top Tree Care Mistakes Houston Homeowners Make in Spring (And What to Do Instead!)

Spring is here, and your trees are waking up after the winter! But before you dive into your seasonal tree care routine, make sure you’re not making these common mistakes. Houston’s unique climate—hot, humid, and storm-prone—means homeowners need to take special care of their trees to keep them strong and healthy.

1. Pruning at the Wrong Time

Many homeowners assume that spring is the perfect time to trim trees, but that’s not always true. Some trees, like oaks, should be pruned in late winter to prevent disease. Trimming in spring can expose fresh cuts to pests and infections.

Do this instead: Check if your tree type benefits from early-spring pruning. If you missed the ideal window, wait until summer for light trimming. If your trees have already started growing new leaves, avoid heavy pruning as it can stress the tree.

2. Over-Mulching (Mulch Volcanoes!)

One of the worst things you can do for your tree is to pile mulch against its trunk, yet we see this mistake all over Houston! When mulch is stacked too high around the base, it traps moisture and leads to rotting, fungal growth, and pest infestations.

Do this instead: Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around the tree, but keep it away from the trunk to prevent rot and pest infestation. Spread the mulch in a doughnut shape rather than a volcano shape, allowing the tree base room to breathe.

3. Not Checking for Storm Damage

Spring brings thunderstorms and strong winds that can weaken tree limbs. Ignoring damaged branches can lead to hazardous situations during summer storms. Trees that suffered damage over the winter may have cracked limbs, uprooted roots, or signs of decay, making them more vulnerable to high winds and heavy rain.

Do this instead: Inspect your trees for cracks, leaning, or broken limbs. If you see damage, call a professional arborist before the next storm hits. An arborist can assess whether a tree needs trimming, cabling, or removal to prevent accidents.

4. Ignoring Tree Pests and Diseases

Houston’s warm climate is ideal for tree pests like aphids, borers, and spider mites, as well as fungal infections like oak wilt. Early signs of infestation include yellowing leaves, small holes in bark, sticky residue (honeydew), or visible webbing.

Do this instead: Regularly inspect your trees for signs of pests or disease. If you notice anything unusual, apply an eco-friendly pest treatment or consult an arborist for the best course of action. Pruning infected branches and improving soil conditions can also help prevent diseases from spreading.

5. Planting the Wrong Tree in the Wrong Spot

Some trees may seem like a good choice for your yard, but not all species thrive in Houston’s climate. Planting the wrong type of tree in a poor location can lead to stunted growth, excessive maintenance, and premature failure.

Do this instead: Before planting a tree, consider how much sun, water, and space it will need when fully grown. Choose native or drought-resistant trees like Live Oak, Bald Cypress, or Southern Magnolia, which adapt well to Houston’s conditions.

6. Overwatering or Underwatering

Overwatering vs. Underwatering

Houston’s unpredictable spring weather means you could experience heavy rainfall one week and drought-like conditions the next. Many homeowners either overwater or underwater their trees, leading to shallow roots, rot, or drought stress.

Do this instead: Trees should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. A good rule of thumb is to give trees one inch of water per week, adjusting based on rainfall. Avoid watering near the trunk; instead, focus on the root zone.

 Overwatering or Underwatering

7. Skipping Fertilization

Trees in urban areas often lack the nutrients they’d naturally get in a forest setting. Skipping spring fertilization can leave them struggling to grow strong and resist disease.

Do this instead: Use a slow-release fertilizer designed for trees and shrubs in early spring. Organic options like compost or mulch decomposition can also help improve soil health over time.

8. Ignoring Young Trees

Newly planted trees need extra care in their first few years. Many homeowners plant trees and assume they’ll grow fine on their own, but young trees require consistent watering, structural pruning, and protection from pests.

Do this instead: Water new trees 2-3 times a week in the first year and monitor them for signs of stress. If needed, stake them loosely for support, but remove stakes after the first year to prevent girdling.

9. Letting Vines Grow on Trees

While vines like English ivy and wisteria can add a charming look to trees, they can also strangle the trunk, block sunlight, and add weight that makes trees more likely to fall in storms.

Do this instead: Remove vines growing on tree trunks and keep them off branches. If you like the look of vines, consider planting them on trellises or fences instead.

10. Delaying Professional Tree Inspections

Most homeowners don’t call an arborist until there’s a serious problem—but by then, it might be too late! Regular inspections can catch disease, pest infestations, and structural issues early, saving you thousands in removal costs.

Do this instead: Schedule a tree health inspection every 1-2 years, especially if you have large, mature trees. An expert can recommend proactive care to keep your trees strong and thriving.

Final Thoughts

Spring is the perfect time to assess, protect, and maintain your trees before summer’s heat and storms arrive. By avoiding these common mistakes and following expert advice, you can keep your Houston trees healthy and strong year-round!

Need professional tree care? Contact us today for an expert assessment! Our team can help with pruning, storm prep, disease prevention, and more!