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During the fall, homeowners often think of leaf clearing as the most important task for their landscaping. However, there are a few other steps you should follow to protect your trees, plants, and home from the incoming winter weather. From tree pruning to mulching, here are some tasks to handle before the coldest season arrives.

5 Winter Preparation Tips for Your Yard

1. Clear Away Dying Plants

Plants that are finished flowering should be removed as the winter nears. Not only can they become eyesores, but they can also attract pests, disease, and fungi. To make the most of the decaying matter, bury them to add nutrients to your soil.

2. Remove Broken or Overhanging Branches

tree pruningIf you have any tree branches that look dead, broken, or at risk of falling, now is the time to have them removed. Winter storms could dislodge them, creating hazards for your property or neighboring homes.

3. Replenish Your Mulch

While spring mulching is most commonly known, adding an extra layer of mulch now will help insulate the soil throughout the winter. This can minimize the impact of freeze-thaw cycles on shallow shrub roots and allow species like earthworms and microorganisms to thrive for longer, bringing more nutrients to the earth.

4. Protect Fragile Plants

If you have any new plant growth, you can create a wind barrier out of burlap to protect their fragile branches. Simply place two stakes in the ground on either side of the plant and wrap the burlap around it to reduce the impact of the wind. This will still allow air to pass through, unlike plastic, which would suffocate the plant.

5. Have Your Trees Pruned

Most deciduous species, including the red and sugar maple trees, should be pruned before or during the winter. At this time, the lack of leaves will allow professionals to see if there are any weak spots or vulnerabilities that need to be addressed. Because some species should have tree pruning only after the last freeze, get professional guidance for determining the proper timeline.

 

If you need tree pruning or removal to prepare your property for the season, turn to Todd’s Tip Top Complete Tree Service for help. Serving Oneida County and the rest of North-Central Wisconsin, this team has been providing exceptional tree care to the community for more than 30 years. Browse through their full list of services online or call (715) 282-5858 to schedule an appointment. 

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