By Nancy Penrose
Winter can be a challenging season for trees, with harsh temperatures, strong winds, and heavy snow taking a toll on their health. Proper tree care during winter ensures their survival and promotes healthy growth in the spring. Whether you have young saplings, ornamental trees, or mature hardwoods, taking proactive measures will help them withstand the cold months.
Why Winter Tree Care is Important
Trees face numerous challenges in winter, including frost damage, desiccation, and breakage due to ice and snow. Additionally, animals searching for food may cause damage to bark and roots. Without proper care, trees can suffer from stress, which may result in long-term damage or even death.
By implementing a winter tree care regimen, you can:
- Prevent winter-related injuries and diseases
- Maintain tree structure and integrity
- Encourage robust growth in the upcoming growing season
- Protect your landscape investment
Preparing Trees for Winter
1. Mulching
Applying a layer of mulch around the base of trees is an effective way to insulate roots from temperature fluctuations. Mulch helps retain moisture and prevent soil erosion during winter storms. Use organic mulch, such as wood chips, straw, or shredded bark, and apply a 2-4 inch layer around the tree’s base while keeping it away from direct contact with the trunk to prevent rot.
2. Wrapping Young and Vulnerable Trees
Young trees, especially those with thin bark, are susceptible to sunscald and frost cracks caused by fluctuating temperatures. Wrap the trunks of young or sensitive trees with burlap, tree wrap, or plastic guards to protect them from extreme conditions and prevent damage from rodents.
Protecting Trees from Snow and Ice Damage
1. Pruning Before Winter
Pruning is a key step in winter tree care. Remove dead, weak, or diseased branches before heavy snow arrives. This reduces the risk of breakage under the weight of snow and ice. Proper pruning also improves air circulation and overall tree health.
2. Gently Remove Snow Buildup
Heavy snow accumulation can bend and break branches, causing severe damage. Use a broom or soft brush to gently remove snow from tree limbs, working from the bottom up to avoid breaking branches.
3. Avoid Using Salt Near Trees
De-icing salts used on driveways and sidewalks can harm trees by drawing moisture away from roots and causing dehydration. If you must use de-icing products, opt for calcium chloride or sand, which are less harmful to vegetation.
Preventing Animal Damage
During winter, rodents and deer may feed on tree bark, twigs, and roots due to scarce food supplies. This can lead to girdling, which disrupts nutrient flow and weakens trees.
1. Install Protective Barriers
Use tree guards or wire mesh to protect trunks from gnawing rodents. For larger trees, wrapping the base with burlap or installing fencing around the perimeter can deter deer.
2. Apply Repellents
Commercial animal repellents can help discourage animals from eating the leaves, twigs and shoots of your trees. Look for products containing natural deterrents such as garlic, capsaicin, or predator scents.
Caring for Evergreens in Winter
Evergreen trees, unlike deciduous trees, retain their foliage year-round and are prone to winter desiccation, a condition where needles lose moisture due to cold winds and frozen ground.
1. Provide Adequate Watering
Since evergreens continue to give off water vapor in winter, ensuring they receive enough water before the ground freezes is crucial.
2. Protect Against Wind Damage
Harsh winter winds can dry out and damage evergreens. To shield them, install windbreaks such as burlap screens or plant them in naturally sheltered locations.
Post-Winter Tree Care
Once winter ends, it’s essential to assess tree health and address any damage. Inspect branches for signs of breakage, frost cracks, or pest activity. Prune any damaged limbs and apply wound sealant if necessary.
If you notice significant damage, consider consulting a certified arborist for professional advice.
Conclusion
Winter tree care is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy landscape. By taking preventive measures such as mulching, pruning, protecting against pests, and providing adequate hydration, you can help your trees endure the harsh winter months and thrive in the coming spring. Investing time and effort in tree care today will yield strong, resilient trees for years to come.
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 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.
