By Nancy Penrose
When winter arrives, most people assume their trees tuck themselves into a cozy, bark-covered blanket, drift into a deep botanical sleep, and wake up in spring fresh, revived, and ready to grow. While it’s true that trees do enter a period of dormancy, this seasonal “nap” is not as hands-off as many homeowners think. In fact, winter is one of the most important times of year to give your trees the care and protection they need to thrive when the snow melts and the growing season returns.
Just like a hibernating bear still needs a safe den and stored energy, your trees still depend on you. Yes, even during their winter downtime. Here’s why winter care matters and how you can give your trees the support they need during their cold-weather “sleep.”
Dormant Doesn’t Mean Dead
Dormancy is a survival mode, not an off switch. Trees slow their metabolism to conserve energy, but they remain very much alive. Beneath the bark, biological processes continue: cells protect themselves from freezing, roots slowly grow whenever soil temperature allows, and stored nutrients keep the tree functioning.
This means your trees are quietly preparing for spring. What you do (or don’t do) during winter affects how healthy and resilient they’ll be when the growing season returns. Ignore a tree during winter, and you may be dealing with pests, structural issues, and weak growth come April.
Winter Is Prime Time for Tree Stress
Winter brings challenges that trees don’t face during any other season. Some of these stresses remain invisible until it’s too late:
- Freeze–Thaw Cycles
Repeated warming and cooling can cause splits in the bark—known as frost cracks—which weaken the trunk. - Winter Burn
Evergreens can lose moisture faster than they can replace it when the ground freezes, leading to browning needles and branch die-off. - Heavy Snow and Ice
Branches can break under the weight, especially in young or ornamental species. - Animal Damage
Rabbits, deer, and rodents consider your trees a winter snack buffet. Young bark is especially tempting when food is scarce.
Your trees aren’t complaining loudly about these issues, but they feel them. And they need your help to survive them.
Mulch: The Winter Blanket Your Trees Actually Want
If dormancy is your tree’s “sleep,” think of mulch as its fluffy comforter. A 2–4 inch layer of mulch around the base of your trees provides several winter benefits:
- Insulates the soil, keeping roots warmer
- Reduces freeze–thaw cycles that heave soil and disrupt root stability
- Retains moisture during dry winter winds
- Protects roots from temperature extremes
Just remember: keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk. You’re trying to tuck your tree in, not suffocate it.
Pruning in Winter: Nature’s Version of a Fresh Haircut
Winter is the best season for pruning. With the leaves gone, you have a clear view of the tree’s structure, making it easier to identify dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
Plus, pruning during dormancy:
- Reduces stress on the tree
- Minimizes sap loss
- Helps prevent pest and disease spread
- Encourages strong spring growth
Think of winter pruning as giving your tree a healthier, more balanced frame to grow from—like getting a good haircut before taking new photos.
Protecting the Trunk: A Simple Step That Can Save Your Tree
Young trees are particularly vulnerable to winter sunscald and animal damage. Here’s an easy fix: wrap the trunk.
Using tree wrap or a protective guard from the nursery:
- Prevents cracking from rapid temperature changes
- Stops deer from rubbing their antlers
- Protects bark from rodents
- Shields the trunk from harsh winter sun
It’s a small, inexpensive step that can save your tree from major harm.
Snow and Ice: Hands Off the Branches
It’s tempting to whack ice off branches or shake snow from young trees—but resist the urge. Ice can make branches brittle, and shaking can snap them under stress. Instead:
- Gently broom off light snow (if accessible)
- Leave ice alone to melt naturally
- Support split branches with proper pruning, not DIY splints
Sometimes, the best winter care is doing nothing—but intentionally.
Dormancy = Preparation Time
If spring is the season of growth, winter is the season of preparation. By watering, mulching, pruning, and protecting your trees during their winter “sleep,” you’re helping ensure they wake up strong, healthy, and ready to thrive.
Your trees may look like they’re taking the season off, but beneath the surface they’re quietly working—and depending on you to get them safely to spring.
So this winter, grab your gloves, bundle up, and show your trees a little cold-weather love. They might not thank you out loud, but come spring, their vibrant growth will say it all.
Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., located in Snohomish, WA in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only deliver young trees, but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include fall color, spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/ or http://arboristblog.com/. They can be reached at 360-563-2700.
Big Trees Inc.
10928 Springhetti Rd
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-563-2700
