As the frosty winds of winter approach, it’s crucial to turn our attention to the guardians of our gardens: our trees. Winter tree care can be a challenging time for these stoic sentinels, but with proper care, they can emerge in Spring, stronger and healthier.
Mulching Magic: Begin with a layer of mulch around the base of your trees. This acts like a cozy blanket, mimicking forest conditions and insulating the roots from extreme temperatures. Aim for a thickness of about 2-3 inches, but remember to keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent problems with girdling root growth.
Prudent Pruning: Winter, with its leafless branches, provides the perfect opportunity to spot and trim structurally problematic limbs. Pruning away dead or weakened branches can help prevent damage from snow and ice accumulation. However, it’s essential to use the correct techniques to avoid harming the tree. Winter pruning also allows the trees time to heal and protect themselves against insect attacks.
Pest Prevention: Deer and rodents can cause significant damage to trees in winter when food is scarce. Protect your trees with physical barriers like tree guards or by applying safe, commercial repellents. A diligent yappy dog works as well!
Winter is not just a time for the above ground crowns of trees to rest but also a time for continued root growth, particularly for recently planted trees as they acclimate to their new location. If dry conditions persist, water to help prepare them for the coming spring. All tree growth begins and ends with soil moisture availability. With these simple steps, your trees will not only survive but thrive.
