It is recommended to always use protective gear when spraying any pesticides. Composting of pest-infested leaves could compound disease, weed or insect problems as the heat generated through the composting process is not usually sufficient to eradicate most pests. Any trees planted last spring should have the stakes or other type of support removed at this time. Trees can become too dependent on support and, if left on too long, increase the susceptibility to wind damage. Trees have to sway back and forth in the wind to actually strengthen trunk cells and withstand severe wind conditions.
Spring is one of the best times of the year to transplant many plants.
Trees and shrubs are best done prior to bud break. The minimum sized root ball is 18 inches in diameter for every inch in diameter of trunk. Keep in mind this is the minimum suggested diameter of root ball - the larger the root ball the increased likelihood of survival. If you anticipate transplanting in the future, root pruning would be advantageous. Simply determine what size root ball is required and using a sharp shovel, drive the shovel as far into the soil as possible to trim off the roots all around the desired root ball.