Beautiful trees are a homeowner’s most prized possessions, and in winter, they need extra care to ensure they remain healthy and vibrant year-round. This essential winter tree care checklist by our professional tree service providers will explain which treatments you need to do on an annual or biannual basis for the best results.
1. Prune out deadwood
When trees go dormant in winter, it is the perfect time to prune away any dead or broken branches, as well as those that rub up against one another. Damaged, dead or dying trees can be dangerous in winter, particularly when we get harsh winds that blow trees over. Dormant pruning makes them safer and can also rejuvenate weaker trees by removing dead and diseased wood. Winter pruning also helps promote healthy growth for the next season because overcrowded branches can cut off sunlight to the rest of the tree. For safe pruning, you may be interested in hiring professional tree trimmers.
2. Remove weeds around your tree
Trees do not like competition for nutrients, so try to keep their roots free of weeds and grasses through regular weeding all year long. If you see tiny seedlings growing near your tree’s trunk, prune them out immediately before they become established. This will help prevent competition for nutrients in the soil, allowing your tree to thrive.
3. Spread mulch around the root zone
Mulching is a year-round practice that can improve soil quality, conserve water and suppress weed growth, but few people know this essential winter tree care tip. During winter when trees are dormant, spreading mulch around their root zone will reflect sunlight back into the canopy. This warmth encourages healthy root development during the cold months when it is often difficult for roots to grow in search of nutrients in the cold ground. It also discourages weed growth by blocking out sunlight needed for seed germination.
4. Cover young deciduous trees
Younger trees often grow very tall before they develop full size leaves that offer natural wind protection, making them more susceptible to winter breakage due to heavy snow or ice accumulation on their thin branches. Young deciduous trees need some winter protection for at least two years until they become stronger. Use tree wraps to offer wind protection, which you can purchase online or from your local garden center.
5. Hire professional tree care experts
Winter is the best season to have professional tree care service providers inspect your trees for signs of damage, disease or infestation. It is much easier to deal with problems while they are still small and easy to manage before they become large, expensive issues. If you hire professional arborists in the Bay Area, they will be able to suggest ways to prevent diseases that can limit a tree’s growth.
Contact Your Trusted Bay Area Tree Service
If you are looking for the top professional tree care services, look no further. At Sexy Trees, our wide range of services and care will keep your trees healthy and beautiful for decades to come. We believe in supporting our communities of trees through evidence-based techniques that you can depend on. Give us a call at 925-233-6877 for an estimate, or email us at [email protected] anytime with questions!