We all look forward to the arrival of spring and the beautiful blooms that come with it, but sometimes a tree might not be ready to burst into color just yet.

Trees are naturally attuned to the changes in their environment, detecting the lengthening daylight hours and the warming temperatures as signals to begin their growth. However, if the conditions aren't quite right, trees will hold off on blooming to protect themselves until the time is just right.

Here’s a closer look at how trees know when to bloom in spring and why your tree might be taking its time.

How Trees Know It's Time to Bloom

Three main factors influence when a tree decides to bloom:

Daylight Duration: Trees can sense the amount of daylight during the day. During winter, the long nights signal to the tree that it's not yet time to grow. As spring approaches and the days lengthen, the increased daylight triggers the tree to begin its blooming process.

Growing Degree Days (GDDs): GDDs are a way of estimating when a plant will start to grow. Each tree species has a base temperature it needs to reach before it begins to grow. By tracking the average temperatures throughout spring, you can predict when a tree will start and complete its blooming process.

Genetics: Each tree is genetically unique, which means that even trees of the same species may bloom at different times. So, if your neighbor's tree is already blooming and yours isn't, it might just be a matter of different genetic makeup.

What Should You Do Once Your Tree Blooms?

Once your tree starts blooming, there are a few important steps you should take:

• Check for Growth: Inspect your tree to ensure all branches are coming back to life. Look for any dead or damaged areas that might need attention.
• Prune Regularly: Work with a certified arborist to establish a pruning schedule. Pruning is not a one-time task—it's an ongoing process that helps keep your tree healthy by removing dead, diseased, or hazardous branches.
• Mulch and Fertilize: Apply mulch around the base of your tree to help retain moisture. Fertilizing provides the necessary nutrients to support healthy growth.

When Do Trees Typically Bloom?

Trees bloom when they determine it's safe to do so, based on the environmental conditions. However, you can make an educated guess about bloom times based on your geographic location and local climate patterns.

What If Your Tree Is a Late Bloomer?

If your tree isn’t blooming as early as expected, be patient. A late-blooming tree isn't necessarily a sign of trouble—it could simply be waiting for the ideal conditions to protect itself from potential late frosts. Remember, trees are careful and will only start new growth when they feel it's safe.

If your tree hasn’t shown any signs of activity by late April or May, it might be time to contact a local certified arborist for a professional inspection.