Trees In Bloom
Spring and early summer can be a busy time. Likewise, nature is also very busy, undergoing transformations and exerting energy. Part of that marvel includes trees going into bloom. Let's delve into how trees bloom, the early blooming trees and shrubs that signal spring's arrival, and the impact of this process on our local wildlife.
Trees will bloom and leaf out on different cycles depending on their species and varying environmental factors.
It's time! When a tree blooms, it's essentially announcing its readiness for reproduction. A typical flowering tree will develop buds during winter. These buds contain tiny leaves and flowers. As temperatures rise, the buds swell and eventually break open. This signals the start of pollination and the production of fruits and seeds. Blooms are crucial for tree health as they attract pollinators and facilitate the reproductive process. Different tree species have varying blooming times. Some are early bloomers, while others are late bloomers.
A patch of forsythia beaming yellow!
Early bloomers generally refer to trees that flower before they leaf out. This strategy allows their flowers to be more visible and accessible to pollinators before the canopy becomes dense with foliage. Forsythia is a shrub known for its vibrant yellow flowers. Each flower has four petals, and they appear in dense clusters along the bare branches before the leaves emerge. Forsythia typically blooms in March or April. The cherry blossom is another early flowering tree that produces delicate, five-petaled flowers ranging in color from white to pink, depending on the species. Cherry blossom trees bloom in late March to early April. The red maple is a tree that produces small, reddish flowers that appear before the leaves. These flowers are typically small and inconspicuous, but they collectively give the tree a reddish hue. Red maple trees bloom in early spring, usually in March or April. These blooms are some of the first signs of spring! Keep an eye out for them next year!
The white flower of the flowering dogwood gives this tree a snow covered look during spring.
Late blooming trees in the region include species such as tulip trees, hawthorn trees, and dogwood trees. The tulip tree, also known as the tulip poplar, produces tulip-like flowers. Each flower has six petals and is greenish yellow with an orange base. These flowers bloom and rest on the fully emerged leaf in late spring. The blooms of hawthorn trees are usually white or pale pink. The flowers are known for their five petals and can sometimes have an unpleasant scent depending on the species. Dogwood trees, on the other hand, produce small, showy flowers that have four petals arranged in a cross shape. These flowers can be white, pink, or red, depending on the species. Dogwood trees bloom in late spring, usually in May. Take a look outside now to catch some of these fantastic blooms!
While bees may be the first pollinator to come to mind, there are plenty of others that are just as important to helping our trees reproduce. Butterflies, moths, even certain flies, all play a role in pollination.
The blooming of trees isn't just a visual treat for us; it's also a vital part of the ecosystem, impacting the wildlife around us. Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds rely on tree blossoms for nectar and pollen. As trees bloom, they provide food and shelter for various animals, contributing to the rich biodiversity of our surroundings.
As we move into the next few months, we encourage you to take a closer look at the trees around you. Trees offer a beautiful show, from bud break to blooming beauty to eventual dormancy. It is a long journey that our trees make each year. We are lucky to view the stages of this process and appreciate the ecosystem they support. Enjoy the free show!
Find out more:
Schedule a consultation with a Monster Arborist
Cornell Cooperative: Pollinator Network Resources
NYS DEC: Pollinator Protection
Tree Highlight
Lilac (Syringa vulgari)
Also called: Common lilac, lilac, English lilac, French lilac
Lifespan: These woody shrubs can live over 100 years.
ID features: Height- They typically grow 6-8 feet tall, but some can grow up to 15 feet.
Leaves - Opposite, pointed-ovate to heart-shaped leaves that are 2 to 5 inches long, Leaves are dark gray green to blue green. They change red to burgundy in fall.
Bark - Young stems are a brownish gray with small, raised lenticel cells. Older stems are a lighter brown-gray and develop furrows.
Flower - Lilacs are most famous for their showy, fragrant flowers, which appear in late spring to early summer (usually May or June) and last for 2-3 weeks. The flowers are typically purple, pink, white, or lavender and grow in dense, pyramidal clusters called panicles.
Fruit/Seed - After flowering, Lilacs produce small, dry capsules containing many seeds.
Need to know: Lilacs flower on old wood, meaning they develop buds in late summer or early fall for the following year's bloom. To avoid cutting off next year's flowers, it is best to prune Lilacs shortly after the spring flowers die.
Fun facts:
- The scent of lilacs is used in perfumery and aromatherapy and is thought to have a calming and soothing effect.
- While lilacs are beautiful and fragrant, they are also highly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, so keep them out of reach of pets.
Pest Alert!
Beech leaf disease (BLD) affects and kills both native and ornamental beech tree species. It is associated with nematodes, microscopic worms. This disease has only been discovered in recent years and much about it, including the full cause and how it spreads, is still unknown. Because of this, DEC is collecting information on symptomatic beech across New York State in an effort to learn more about the disease. Find out more on BLD here.
A key indicator of BLD is the green stripes, or interveinal banding on leaves.
Ask the Arborist
NYSDEC 2, 3A Applicator: C8902800
ISA Certified Arborist: NY 6818A
Q: Do all trees flower?
A: Only angiosperm trees produce flowers. A few examples of these trees include silver maple, green ash, and white oak. However, gymnosperm trees such as white pine, Norway spruce, or Douglass fir produce cones instead. These cones carry out the reproductive cycle of the tree and contain seeds and pollen.
Q: What can we do to help trees while they are in bloom?
A: If your tree is small enough, covering it with burlap or other protective materials can help shield it from late spring frosts, which could damage the flowers. Providing adequate water and nutrients is crucial to ensure that your tree has the resources it needs to produce healthy flowers. For most flowering trees, applying fertilizer in early spring or late fall can improve bloom yield. Additionally, proper pruning and pest management can also support the health and blooming of your tree.
Q: What should we avoid while trees are in bloom?
A: If you have fruiting trees like apple or pear, you should avoid using broad-spectrum pesticides during bloom as they can harm pollinators essential for the pollination of flowers. It’s also best to avoid pruning significant amounts of live material from trees that are in bloom, as this can stress the tree and reduce flower and fruit production. Seeing abundant flowers on your tree this year is a good sign that your tree is healthy and thriving!
Monster in the Neighborhood
At Monster Tree Service of Rochester, we take pride in preserving our local trees. Recently, we had the honor of pruning an ancient white oak in East Rochester. This tree was estimated to be around 250 years old! It has witnessed the growth and advancement of the community around it.
While another company advised the homeowner to remove the tree, we knew that with proper risk reduction pruning we could increase safety while allowing this historic oak to live. By removing hazardous dead wood, reducing weight on overextended limbs and improving its overall structure, we provided the care needed to keep this magnificent tree standing for years to come!
White oaks are known for their incredible resilience. Their wood is among the strongest and most durable of all hardwoods. It has been historically used in shipbuilding, barrel making, and is a favorite of wood workers.
REMEMBER! The NYS DEC recommends pruning oaks during the doramnt season to prevent the spread of oak wilt!
Monster Fun
What is your favorite bloom?
A. Forsythia
B. Lilac
C. Cherry
D. Tulip
Monster Tree Service of Rochester
585-440-3745 | Pittsford, NY 14534