Homeowner’s Guide to Poplar Tree Care: Insights from a Tree Care Company in Lake Bluff, Illinois

If you have a poplar tree in your yard or want to plant one soon, you should know what it takes to keep it healthy. Poplars grow fast and look beautiful, but they can also be high maintenance.

Below, this tree care company in Lake Bluff, Illinois is going to explain everything you need to know to keep your poplar tree in its best shape.

What do poplars need?

Poplars thrive best in full sunlight, rich soil that drains well, and with enough room to grow.

They should get at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. This helps them build strong branches and keeps their leaves healthy.

The soil they grow in should be loose and able to hold some water, but not too much. If the soil is thick and full of clay, or if water tends to sit there for too long, it can impact the tree’s growth.

You should also give your poplar tree some space. Keep it at least 50 feet from any structure and 10 to 20 feet from other trees. This will prevent their roots from damaging foundations or driveways as they grow.

Watering, mulching, and feeding

Young poplars need deep watering about once every 10 days. This helps their roots grow down into the soil.

Mulch helps retain water and prevents weeds from growing too close to the tree’s base. Spread 3 to 5 inches of mulch around the base, but don’t pile it against the trunk. That can trap moisture against the bark, which is never good.

Poplars also grow better if you feed them once a year, especially in early spring. Avoid fertilizing during the summer, as this can harm the tree and cause the leaves to burn.

If you are not sure how much to water, what mulch to use, or when to fertilize, you can always talk to a professional tree care company in Lake Bluff, Illinois. They can create the best plan for your tree based on your specific soil and weather conditions.

Pruning and pests

The best time to prune a poplar is during the winter, while the tree is still dormant. That is when the tree is not actively growing, and its branch structure becomes more visible. It is easier to shape the tree and remove weak branches.

If you see a broken branch or anything that looks dangerous, remove it immediately. You don’t want to risk it falling and causing damage.

Poplars grow fast but have soft wood. That makes them more likely to lose branches during storms. Prune each year to prevent this.

You will also want to watch for pests. Poplar and willow borers can dig into branches and make the tree weaker over time. If you see sawdust, dripping sap, or drooping leaves, it could be a sign of pest damage.

Fungal diseases like leaf and shoot blight are also common. Prune infected parts early. Thin the canopy to help air move better through the tree, which makes it harder for fungus to spread.

Sometimes you will see strange lumps or swollen parts on the branches. These might be gall, which can form from mites. If you see anything like that, prune it off before spring. That is when the mites usually come out of hiding.

When pruning, try to cut just outside the branch collar to help the tree heal properly.

Watch the roots.

Poplar roots grow fast and wide, and many times, near the surface. Some roots can even reach over 150 feet from the trunk. That makes poplars great for controlling erosion, but it also means they can easily damage sidewalks, pipes, or building foundations if they are planted too close.

If roots start pushing up sidewalks or get too close to your house, don’t try to cut them yourself. A professional tree care company in Lake Bluff, Illinois can install root barriers or safely trim roots to prevent damage to your property.

Looking for a Tree Care Company in Lake Bluff, Illinois?

Are you thinking of planting a new poplar, or already have one that needs some care? If so, and if you are ready to work with the best tree care company in Lake Bluff, Illinois, look no further than Brown Tree Service, Inc. Our team of ISA Certified Arborists can help keep your trees strong, safe, and healthy all year long. Contact us today to schedule an inspection.