Winter Tree Care Made Simple: Steps for a Healthy Spring

Winter brings plenty of distractions, from the holiday bustle to limited daylight. But we can’t let them deter us from keeping an eye on our trees as the season shifts. Winter tree care is important for protecting trees from harsh weather, preventing property damage, and preparing trees for spring.

The good news is that basic cold weather tree care is fairly simple. Consider bundling up and following these winter tree care tips before the frigid temps close in.

Tree Care Tips for Winter

Beat the Freeze and Water: Keep a good eye on the weather report and water your trees before cold snaps. A thorough watering helps tree roots, especially those belonging to younger trees, stay hydrated during the winter. Make sure temperatures are higher than 40 degrees and schedule your watering during the middle of the day, which will give the water time to soak in before the soil potentially freezes overnight.

Time to Mulch: A little mulch can be like a warm blanket for chilly tree roots. Adding a layer of mulch around a tree’s base helps insulate the roots, keep the soil moist, and protect against freezing. Whenever you mulch near a tree, always keep it a few inches away from the trunk to avoid any moisture buildup or pest problems.

Say No to Frost and Sunscald: Young and/or sensitive trees need some extra protection from Jack Frost. Just before freezing temperatures drop, cover these trees with a lightweight fabric, such as burlap or frost cloth, which can serve as a shield. You can also use that same type of material to wrap the trunks of young trees in an effort to stop sunscald and frost cracks. Stay away from plastic, because it can trap moisture and overheat in the sun.

Watch for Dead or Diseased Branches: Winter storms often cause dead or damaged branches. Any time of year is a good time to remove these possible hazards. Additionally, removal can stop the spread of potential disease. Your friends at Premier Tree Solutions are always on hand to offer expert removal services.

Major Pruning Can Wait: Again, diseased or dead branches can be removed anytime. Postpone major pruning until late winter or early spring. This allows you to see the full extent of any winter weather damage and prepare the tree for the impending growing season. When the time is right, Premier Tree Solutions can provide expert pruning.