Preparing Your Trees For Winter
Preparing Your Trees For Winter
Preparing Your Trees For Winter. Every year, we get asked, “What can you do to prevent trees from dying during winter?” It’s a common concern! Although trees have survived tough winters long before we had modern tree care techniques, there are some easy measures you can take to support their health in the colder months. We’ve put together a list of our best winter tree care tips to help you prepare your trees for the chilly weather and ensure they stay safe throughout the winter. Getting ready for winter might seem overwhelming, but with some thoughtful planning, you can safeguard your trees effectively.
Mulching
As winter approaches, it’s a great idea to provide your trees with a cozy layer of mulch. This protective covering helps insulate the roots, shielding them from the severe cold of Wisconsin winters. Beyond just insulation, mulch offers year-round advantages by enriching the soil, conserving moisture, and enhancing aeration. To mulch your trees effectively, spread a layer of mulch that is 2-4 inches thick and extends 4-6 feet from the trunk. Remember to steer clear of creating mulch volcanoes, which form a cone shape around the base of the tree, as this can harm the tree significantly.
Watering
When the temperature falls below freezing, the ground can also freeze, making it difficult for trees to access the water they require. To help your trees, consider watering them by hand before the soil hardens.
How Do You Wrap Trees to Protect From Freezing?
Tree wrapping isn’t just for preventing sunscald; it also guards against frost cracks and damage from extreme temperature swings.
To wrap your trees correctly, start at the tree’s base and work your way up to the first major branch. Wrap securely but not too tightly, overlapping each layer by about a third of the wrap’s width.
How Can I Prevent Winter Sunscald?
Sunscald is a type of winter damage common in late winter when sunlight, often magnified by snow, warms the bark and “wakes up” cells beneath it. When temperatures drop again, these cells freeze and die. Young trees with thin bark and trees that have been pruned or transplanted are most susceptible to sunscald.
Wrapping your trees can add an extra layer of protection, shielding bark from direct sunlight and helping to prevent sunscald altogether. Young trees, trees with thin bark, and trees that have been pruned or transplanted are most susceptible to sunscald
Watering
When the temperature falls below freezing, the ground can also freeze, making it difficult for trees to access the water they require. To help your trees, consider watering them by hand before the soil hardens.
