As the year shifts from fall to winter, your landscape bears the brunt of the temperature fluctuations. However, if trees fall within your property lines, you can do plenty to protect these majestic plants. To ensure the following spring is fruitful, take advantage of this streamlined tree care winterization checklist.

How to Keep Your Trees Safe in the Winter

1. Prune Weak Branches

During the harsh weather of winter, it’s more than possible for branches to break off and become airborne. For weak or diseased branches, it’s inevitable. To prevent high winds from tearing your trees and damaging your property, have the former trimmed and pruned before the first frost. This will allow your trees time to heal before the coldest temperatures hit.

2. Add Mulch

In addition to adding aesthetic value to many landscapes, mulch serves as an excellent insulator for trees and other plants. By applying a substantial layer around the base of the trunk — but leaving room for it to breathe — you can enable the roots to hold in more heat from the sun. In addition to acting like a thick wool sweater, mulch prevents weeds from running wild during the winter when they’re more likely to go unnoticed.

3. Attach Tree Guards

As soil and plants start to change in the cooler months, many animals chew on tree bark instead. Once snow covers the ground, this will be the only option for creatures like rabbits. This will strip the trunks of their outermost layers, leaving your trees vulnerable to diseases and the bitter cold. To keep hungry animals away and block out extreme temperatures in the process, ask your local tree care team to cover the trunks with specially designed tree guards.

If you need help winterizing your property this year, turn to T & L Tree And Landscape of New York. Serving Wayne County and the surrounding areas, they are proud to offer everything from pruning to stump removal. Plus, their team also provides emergency tree care for urgent situations. To schedule an appointment today, call (585) 223-3190. You can also learn more about the company by visiting the website.