Every winter, trees fall on people, their homes, and their cars. Have you had the trees on your property inspected lately?
The signs indicating a tree is dead or dying can vary depending on the type of tree. Dead branches or cracks in the trunk are universal signs. Some of the less obvious signs are mushrooms on the base of the tree, raised soil near the bottom of the tree, and missing bark.
To keep your trees healthy and strong, there are methods for winter tree protection against winter’s hazards. Such as severe weather, lack of food for animals and rodents, and salt put down on roads to keep them from icing over.
Here are some methods to consider to keep your trees healthy.
Pre-Winter Prep
The healthier your trees are going into winter, the more likely they will withstand what the season brings.
Water loss during winter is a major concern. So be sure to water your trees thoroughly in the weeks leading up to winter’s first freeze. Once winter arrives, trees less than two or three years old will need to be watered during periods when the ground isn’t frozen.
Put a layer of mulch on the ground around your trees. Leave three to six inches clear around the base of the tree and spread the mulch out to the circumference of the tree’s limbs.
Stop pruning trees in August. Pruning will encourage new growth and will inhibit the tree from going dormant.
Inspect your trees for signs of disease. Look for cracks and holes in the bark, leaf discoloration, and signs of decay. If you see signs of disease, removal of the tree before the disease spreads or it falls down in winter weather is advised.
Wrapping Trees
Trees can be wrapped using burlap or wraps purchased from a garden center. Clear plastic is not a good choice as it can cause sun-scald.
There are pros and cons to wrapping trees, so consider them all before deciding whether and when to wrap your trees. Here are some of the reasons people opt to wrap their trees.
Minimizes Damage from Animals
Deer, rabbits, voles, and mice love to eat the soft tender bark and twigs of trees. Wrapping trees will likely keep deer and rabbits from using your trees as a snack.
However, it likely will not help with the voles and mice. Plus, they may even decide the wrapping creates a warm and cozy place for them to live.
Minimizes Ice Damage
If you live in an area that suffers from ice storms, wrapping evergreen trees that do not lose their leaves in the winter may be a good idea. Wrapping can keep ice off their branches that can cause them to break (and which might not grow back).
Trees that lose their leaves in the winter, do not need to be wrapped. Deciduous trees recover better than evergreens.
Helps Keep Moisture In
Since moisture loss is a concern in winter, some people opt to wrap their trees to keep moisture in. Wrapping the trees does help. For young trees, wrapping is likely a good idea since they need to maintain an adequate amount of water to stay healthy through the winter.
For older trees, wrapping will also keep the moisture in, but you will run the risk of too much moisture building up. Too much moisture can cause the tree to rot.
Helps Prevent Discoloration of Lighter Leaves
Cold wind and sun can cause the leaves on young yellow-leafed evergreens to dry out and become discolored. So if you have these light leafed trees in your landscape, wrapping them is a good idea.
Helps Prevent Damage from Salt
Some trees are sensitive to salt spray, so if you live in an area where salt is put on the road in winter, wrapping your sensitive trees can help. For a list of landscape trees along with their tolerance or sensitivity to salt, you can find one here.
Staking Trees
If you live in an area that experiences high winds, protect any top-heavy trees you have by attaching them to stakes to help provide support. Remember to leave enough slack in the line between the stake and the tree to allow the tree to move freely. Tying it too tight will weaken the tree.
Tree Guards
During winter, food gets scarce for deer, rabbits, and rodents. For younger trees that still have soft bark, installing tree guards can help keep them from being eaten. If they eat too much or cause too much damage, the tree will need to be removed.
Keep in mind that if it snows where you live, you will need taller guards to prevent access from deer or rodents standing on top of the snow.
What To Do If Your Trees Take Damage
Damaged trees can become a serious safety issue. One that needs to be taken care of before it hurts someone or someone’s personal property.
If you notice a tree that has branches that are hanging down, has cracks in the trunk or is leaning to the east, it is time to call a tree specialist. The tree may need pruning or it may need to be removed.
Put These Winter Tree Protection Tips Into Action
No matter what season it is in your area, it is time to put these winter tree protection tips to use. Even if it is just preparing for next winter.
If it is winter where you are, check your trees for damage after heavy winds or rain, lightning, snowfall or when ice accumulates. Especially if you have trees that have branches hanging over your house or where you park your car.
Contact us today for a free tree consultation. We’re here to help you with all your tree care services and maintenance needs.
Winter Tree Protection Tips: Keep Your Trees Safe Through the Cold
Every winter, fallen trees cause damage to people, homes, and vehicles. Is your property’s trees ready for the harsh winter months? Inspecting your trees and taking steps to protect them can prevent costly damages and potential hazards.
Signs Your Trees Are Vulnerable
Identifying signs that a tree is dead or dying is crucial to preventing damage. While cracks in the trunk or dead branches are obvious, less noticeable signs include mushrooms growing at the base, raised soil around the tree’s base, or missing bark.
Pre-Winter Prep for Healthy Trees
- Watering
Water your trees thoroughly in the weeks leading up to the first freeze. Trees younger than 2-3 years may need occasional watering through the winter when the ground isn’t frozen to avoid dehydration. - Mulching
Apply a 3–6-inch layer of mulch around your trees, but leave space near the base to prevent rot. This helps retain moisture, insulates the roots, and prevents soil compaction. - Stop Pruning Early
Pruning encourages new growth, which can inhibit a tree’s natural dormancy. Stop pruning by August to allow trees to prepare for the winter. - Inspect for Disease
Check your trees for signs of disease, such as cracks, holes, leaf discoloration, or decay. If you find serious issues, consider removing the tree before winter weather exacerbates the problem.
Wrapping Trees for Extra Protection
Tree wrapping is a common method for protecting trees during the winter, but it should be done correctly to be effective.
- Minimizes Animal Damage
Wrapping helps deter animals like deer, rabbits, and voles from chewing on bark and twigs. However, it may not fully protect against voles and mice, who might nest in the wrapping. - Prevents Ice Damage
Evergreens, which retain their leaves, are at risk of breaking from the weight of ice during storms. Wrapping helps minimize ice buildup on their branches. - Keeps Moisture In
Wrapping can help young trees retain moisture, which is crucial during winter when water loss is a concern. However, for older trees, too much moisture buildup can cause rot, so be cautious. - Prevents Discoloration of Lighter Leaves
Cold winds and sun can dry out the leaves of evergreens with lighter foliage, causing them to discolor. Wrapping helps protect these delicate trees. - Protects Against Salt
If you live in an area that uses salt on roads, wrapping can protect your trees from salt damage, which can be toxic to some species.
Staking and Protecting Your Trees
- Staking Trees
If your area experiences high winds, support top-heavy trees with stakes. Be sure to leave some slack in the tie to allow the tree to sway naturally, preventing injury. - Tree Guards
Installing tree guards helps protect young trees from being eaten by hungry animals during winter when food is scarce. Snow can elevate rodents and deer, so taller guards may be necessary in snowy areas.
What To Do If Your Trees Take Damage
Damaged trees pose a safety risk and should be addressed promptly. If you notice branches hanging down, cracks in the trunk, or leaning trees, it’s time to call a tree care specialist. These trees may need pruning or, in severe cases, removal.
Implementing Winter Tree Protection
Winter tree protection isn’t just for the cold months—preparing your trees ahead of time can ensure their health and safety year-round. Even if it’s currently winter, checking for damage after heavy storms or ice build-up is essential. Trees hanging over structures or vehicles should be inspected regularly.
Ready to protect your trees this winter? Contact us for a free consultation, and let us help with all your tree care needs.