Before the colder months arrive, it’s important to protect your property from whatever Mother Nature may bring. The drop in temperatures and inclement winter weather can create significant damage. Your trees need extra attention to ensure they survive the season. Proper maintenance and professional tree service are necessary for them to withstand heavy snowfall, ice storms, strong winds, disease, and pest infestations. Here are a few tips for winterizing your trees.

How to Get Your Trees Winter-Ready

1. Clean the Yard

Clear away all the fallen leaves and debris that end up covering your yard during autumn. This will ensure your property doesn’t become an inviting environment for pests and disease. Leaves decompose naturally and using them as part of your mulch will provide your trees’ roots systems with warmth in the winter. You should evaluate your trees’ health and have an expert tree service address any problems that could worsen in the colder temperatures.

2. Prune the Branches

An essential step in prepping your trees for winter is having them pruned. This removes dying and dead branches, making trees stronger. It’s also vital for maintaining a safe property. Unstable branches can easily break off in a storm and potentially cause someone injury or result in costly damages to nearby homes, cars, and power lines. It’s best to have this task performed by a professional tree service with all the tools and training to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.

3. Wrap the Trunk

Without leaves to provide a protective shield, the winter sun can be harsh on a tree’s bark. As such, it’s a good idea to wrap the trunk and lower branches to prevent sunscald. This is when a tree reacts to the warm winter sun by coming out of dormancy, but once the temperatures turn cold again, the active cells die, leaving the bark damaged. Wrap from top to bottom to keep moisture from collecting in the folds and causing decay.

4. Mulch Appropriately

To avoid winter drought, apply a generous layer of mulch around your trees before winter’s first frost. Once the ground freezes, trees often have difficulty absorbing water. Mulch will keep the root systems from freezing and limit how much groundwater is lost to evaporation. Take care not to pile mulch too close to the tree trunk where it can trap moisture and become a hideaway for pests and disease.

 

For help preparing your trees to endure the winter season ahead, turn to Liberty Tree Lawn & Landscaping in Dayton, OH. They offer several reliable and affordable solutions to keep your trees healthy year-round. For over a decade, this company has provided high-quality tree service using the latest industry tools and techniques. Call (937) 630-2743 to discuss your needs and request a quote.