Winter can be a harsh season for everyone, including your trees. Although dormant during these months, trees continue to take in water and nutrients and need protection. Ensure the health of your landscape by taking the following precautions:

• Insulation: Repeated freezing and thawing can cause soil to expand and contract which in turn can damage tree roots. Adding 2-3 inches of mulch around the base of the tree in late fall helps the soil maintain a more constant temperature.
  • Pro-Tip: Do not pile too much mulch directly against the trunk as the base needs to ‘breathe’. Instead of mulch consider recycling the leaves in your lawn to provide this barrier.
• Hydration: It is especially important to continue watering your trees during the fall before the ground freezes. Moist soil stays warmer than dry soil and water acts as an insulator.
  • Pro-Tip: Water slowly with a sprinkler, at the rate of 10 gallons per inch of tree diameter.
• Protection: Fluctuating winter temperatures can injure your trees. “Sunscald” happens when the warm winter sun tricks cells into coming out of dormancy but when temperatures drop these cells are killed and result in unsightly scarring. To prevent this, wrap the trunk of your tree in light colored crepe paper or commercial tree wrap. Focus on saplings and younger trees.
  • Pro-Tip: Leave them wrapped until early April.

If you need additional help or have questions about what is best for your tall beauties, call our ISA certified arborist today!