As the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to drop, it’s time to focus on preparing your trees for the winter season. Proper winterization helps trees withstand harsh conditions, promotes healthy growth in the spring, and prevents damage that could lead to more significant issues later. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to prepare your trees for winter, ensuring they emerge strong and vibrant come spring.

Understanding Winter’s Impact on Trees

Before diving into preparations, it’s important to understand how winter affects trees. Cold temperatures, frost, ice, and wind can all pose challenges. Trees may experience water stress due to frozen soil, which prevents them from absorbing moisture. Additionally, ice and snow accumulation can cause physical damage, while fluctuating temperatures can lead to issues like frost cracks.

Steps for Winterizing Your Trees

Winter can be exceptionally unpredictable in the Midwest. It’s not unusual to see mild winters featuring moderate temperatures and little to no snow in many Midwestern states. Conversely, it’s not uncommon for the Midwest to see heavy snow storms, ice storms and frigid temperatures dropping into the single digits or below zero for days or occasionally, a week or two at a time. Recognizing this, it’s important to prepare your trees for the worst winter can bring; better safe than sorry.

To be sure your trees are as prepared as possible for severe winter weather, take the following steps:

Assess Tree Health

Look for signs of disease, pest infestations, or physical damage. Trees that are already stressed or weakened will need extra care. Consulting with a certified arborist for an expert assessment is advisable if you notice any concerning symptoms.

Prune Wisely

Proper pruning is essential for preparing trees for winter. However, timing and technique are crucial:

• Timing: The best time to prune most trees is during the dormant season, which typically starts after the leaves have fallen and before new growth begins in early spring. Avoid heavy pruning in late fall as it can stimulate new growth that may be damaged by winter frost.
• Technique: Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches to improve the tree’s overall health and reduce the risk of further damage. Ensure cuts are clean and made at a slight angle to promote healthy healing.

Protect Tree Bark

Tree bark can be susceptible to damage from extreme cold and sunscald during winter. Protecting bark involves:

• Wrapping: Use tree wrap or burlap to shield young or vulnerable trees. Wrap the trunk from the base to the first set of branches, overlapping the material slightly. This prevents sunscald and protects against physical damage from snow and ice.
• Avoiding Physical Injury: Be cautious with lawn equipment and snow shovels around tree trunks to prevent mechanical damage.

Mulch Wisely

Mulching is a beneficial practice for winterizing trees. Mulch helps to:

• Insulate Roots: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded leaves, around the base of the tree. This insulates the soil, helping to maintain a more consistent temperature and protect roots from freezing.
• Control Soil Moisture: Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil. Ensure the mulch is applied in a donut shape, keeping it a few inches away from the tree trunk to prevent rot and pest issues.

Watering

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that adequate watering before winter sets in is crucial.

• Pre-Winter Watering: Ensure trees receive sufficient water before the ground freezes. Water deeply to reach the root zone and help the tree build up moisture reserves that will be crucial during the winter months.
• Monitoring: During winter, avoid watering if the soil is frozen. Instead, focus on deep watering in late fall to ensure the tree is well-hydrated before the onset of cold weather.

Protect Trees Against Snow and Ice

Heavy snow and ice can cause branches to break and lead to other forms of damage. To protect your trees from snow and ice damage, focus on:

• Snow Removal: Gently remove snow from tree branches using a broom or similar tool to prevent the weight from causing breakage. Avoid using metal tools that could damage the tree or cause injury.
• Ice Prevention: While it’s difficult to prevent ice accumulation, keeping trees well-pruned can reduce the risk of branches breaking under the weight of ice and snow.

Guard Against Pests and Wildlife

Surprisingly, winter can bring its own set of challenges with pests and wildlife. Be sure to consider:

• Pest Control: Apply dormant oil or other pest control treatments if your trees are prone to pest issues. This helps control insects that may overwinter in the bark or soil.
• Wildlife Protection: Protect young trees from wildlife such as deer or rabbits by using physical barriers like tree guards or fencing. These animals may chew on bark or branches during winter months when food is scarce. 

Check Your Trees for Winter Burn

Evergreens, in particular, are susceptible to winter burn, where desiccation from wind and sun can cause needle damage.

• Anti-Desiccant Sprays: Applying anti-desiccant sprays can help reduce moisture loss from evergreen foliage. Follow the product’s instructions for application timing and method.

Inspect and Repair Structures Supporting Trees

If you have supporting structures such as stakes or ties for young trees, or bracing or dynamic cabling for more mature trees, inspect them before winter:

• Tightness and Position: Ensure stakes and ties are secure but not constricting the tree’s growth. Adjust as necessary to accommodate the tree’s development while preventing wind damage.
• Replacement: Replace any damaged or worn stakes and ties to provide proper support through the winter.

Preparing trees for winter involves a combination of proactive measures and careful attention to detail. By assessing tree health, pruning wisely, protecting bark, mulching, and addressing water and pest issues, you can help your trees navigate the challenges of winter more effectively. Winter preparation not only ensures that your trees survive the cold months but also sets the stage for healthy, vibrant spring growth. Keep on top of your tree care and you’ll ensure your trees remain robust and thriving throughout the year.

Are You Interested In Protecting Your Trees This Winter? Consult With The Experts At Hansen’s Tree Service Today!

Our certified arborists and plant care specialists are experts in guiding homeowners through the process of caring for their trees, regardless of the season. They can assess the health of your trees, identify any disease or damage and take the necessary steps to protect them through the harshest winter weather.

Contact us today and let our insured, experienced professionals take care of all your tree-related needs!