Spring is a beautiful time of year when flowers are budding and trees are leafing out. But what happens if your tree isn’t blooming? There are several reasons why a tree may be a late bloomer or not flower at all. Learn whether or not it’s a problem for your plant.

Reasons Why a Tree Isn’t Blooming

Just because a flowering tree doesn’t bloom when all the others ones are, doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem. But there could be a problem. Many factors affect blooming ability, such as:

• Age. Some trees take several years to mature enough to bloom. If you just planted it, give it time.
• Sun. Flowering trees require a certain amount of sunlight to bloom. Make sure you plant it in the proper spot.
• Temperature. Every tree has an internal thermometer that triggers when it should enter and exit its dormant stage.
• Stress. Drought, excess water, winter damage, or late frost can all prevent flowering. Not all factors are in your control, so focus on the ones you can help, like adding sufficient water.
• Pruning. Improper pruning can remove new buds or hinder flowering. Wait to cut once the spring flowers fall.
• Nutrients. Too much nitrogen can promote vegetative growth over flowering. Fertilize responsibly.
• Pests and Diseases. Health issues can damage buds or prevent them from flowering. Seek a plant care professional to help determine the cause and treatment options.

Once the environment is right, trees will sense that it’s time to sprout. But they also try to protect themselves under certain conditions.

How You Can Help

A native tree can naturally adjust to the conditions around it. But there are ways you can help get it established in your lawn, especially if you’re planting a new tree this spring.

• Mulch around the base of the trunk—without mounding—to help retain moisture.
• Fertilize to promote root health and supplement the necessary nutrients.
• Observe what branches aren’t coming back to life. If they never bloom, they may be damaged or dead and need pruning.
• Consult an arborist with any signs of disease or damage and to set up a regular pruning schedule.

If your tree isn’t blooming to its full potential, give it time. If you still don’t see any activity by late April or May, contact a tree care professional for an evaluation. Elite Tree Care can help determine whether there’s a problem or if your tree is simply a late bloomer.