Tree care in winter

Tree care over the winter months is rarely anyone’s top priority, but you should really make the most of this time. If neglected, your trees’ health and growth throughout the rest of the year can suffer.

In this guide, we will give you some of our best tips and tricks for taking care of your trees during Winter.

Pruning in Winter 

A regular pruning schedule is essential for keeping your trees happy, healthy and vibrant. However, many people neglect this task once it starts getting a bit colder outside. Our arborists say that pruning during Winter has several significant advantages that are worth facing the cold for, such as reduced risk and extra recovery time for the tree.

Reduced Risk to your Trees

Without excess foliage, it’s far easier to make precise cuts when pruning, allowing a tree surgeon to better navigate the tree and determine which parts should be trimmed, lopped or left, without risking damaging or removing healthy branches.

Secondly, pruning during winter is less likely to attract disease-carrying insects, bacteria and fungi, which will damage the long-term health of your trees. Many of these nasty little critters hibernate during winter, so there really isn’t a safer time to prune.

Promoting Future Growth

By getting on top of your tree care in Winter, the tree has time to recover and is ready to begin flourishing again by the time spring comes around. In addition, pruning during winter can reduce shade on your property, allowing sunlight to reach the rest of your plants and flow into your home.

The Cost of Frost

While there are a number of advantages to pruning during Winter, it also important to have a plan to protect your trees from the cold. Our professional arborists have plenty of experience in protecting trees from the elements. Here are their top tips:

Protect the weak

If you have young saplings, delicate trees or potted plants, get them ready for the frost. Freezing temperatures can permanently damage the shoots, leaves and cores of your trees, affecting their ability to grow and fight off diseases. Protect them by bringing them inside if you can, or by covering them to the ground with sheets or tarps that can trap the warmth during the night. 

Mulch

Mulching helps to regulate the moisture levels and temperature of the soil and your trees. Cover the base and roots of your trees with 5-10cm of fresh wood chip mulch to help retain warmth even during the coldest parts of the year. 

Keep the fluids up

Keep watering your trees during winter, especially if there has been no rain. Young saplings should be watered every week or two while more mature trees should be watered every month or two. 

If you’re looking for someone to take all of the hassles out of looking after your trees this winter, why not get in contact with us today! We’re experts at giving your trees the head start they need heading into Spring, as well as protecting them through Winter.