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Each season comes with unique tree care requirements, and there are several tasks to take care of come fall. Preparing your landscape for the winter’s elements will promote healthy growth in the spring. Here are a few ways that specialists can assist.

How to Prepare Your Trees for the Winter

1. Fertilize

Trees need to recover from summer stress, including dryness and heat, to survive the winter.

Fertilizer delivers essential nutrients to the soil. Trees can draw from these throughout the season to resist disease and insects. Professionals typically recommend slow-release nitrogen products, which promote root growth and keep your plants strong.

2. Water

A tree better absorbs nutrients when the soil is hydrated. Watering will also counteract the effects of summer drought.

Water only when temperatures are above 40 degrees. On colder days, do this around midday to avoid freezing temperatures. Watering deeply is best so moisture reaches the roots—use an injection probe to distribute water throughout the top 12 inches of soil.

3. Brace

tree careSevere winter storms deposit a lot of snow and ice on canopies. The weight may be too much for weaker branches.

Professionals typically recommend cabling and bracing trees with stability issues. Installing anchors and steel cables between branches will redistribute weight so there’s less risk of breakage. Tree care professionals may also bolt split branches together. Doing this in the fall will make your property safer throughout the winter.

4. Prune

Some branches are too weak for cabling and bracing, so they’re at risk of falling. Dead or severely broken limbs also invite pests and diseases.

Tree care professionals may recommend removing unhealthy sections of your trees. Pruning small shoots and decaying growth will also allow water and sunlight to reach healthy limbs, strengthening the tree.

 

It’s always best to leave fall prep to the pros. Nelson Tree Company has provided tree care services to homeowners throughout Westmoreland County, PA, since 1987. These arborists offer comprehensive trimming and tree removal services to make your landscape safe and beautiful. Learn more about their work on their website, or call (724) 863-7682 to schedule a consultation.

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