Top Tips for Preparing Your Trees for Winter Weather Apr 21, 2025

As the cold winds of winter approach, it's essential to prepare your trees for the harsh weather conditions ahead. Proper winter preparation can help maintain tree health and ensure they flourish come spring. With these essential tips from Elevation Tree Service, you can protect your trees from winter’s challenges, ensuring they remain robust and vigorous.The first and most essential step is to conduct a thorough inspection of your trees. Look for any signs of disease, damage, or weakness that could worsen in the cold months. Issues like broken branches or decaying limbs pose a risk not only to the tree's health but also to your property if they fall. Contacting a professional service like Elevation Tree Service to assess and prune unhealthy areas can mitigate these risks while promoting better growth.Next, consider applying a layer of mulch around the base of your trees. Mulching is an excellent way to insulate the soil by maintaining consistent moisture levels and protecting roots from extreme temperatures. Use organic materials such as wood chips or straw, spreading them evenly in a two to three-inch layer. Be mindful to keep the mulch a few inches away from the tree trunk to prevent decay.Winter can be particularly harsh on young trees. For recently planted or smaller trees, using tree wraps can offer additional protection against frost and windburn. These wraps, available in a variety of materials such as burlap or specially designed plastic products, help safeguard the bark from cracking due to fluctuating temperatures. Properly wrapping your trees can also ward off damage from rodents seeking food during the sparse winter months.Another critical element of winter tree care is watering, though winter typically sees reduced water needs. As the soil can dry out, even in cold weather, trees might require supplemental watering during dry spells. Water deeply but less frequently, ensuring the soil is adequately moist without being waterlogged. Focus particularly on young trees, as they suffer most during dry winters.More mature trees, particularly those vulnerable to heavy snow or ice accumulation, may benefit from structural pruning. Thinning out branches can prevent breakage under the weight of snow and ice, reducing hazards and maintaining the tree’s structural integrity. Consultation with a certified arborist at Elevation Tree Service can help determine the best pruning strategy for your trees.Finally, consider the application of anti-desiccant sprays, which provide an invisible barrier that helps maintain moisture inside evergreen foliage. Evergreens continue to lose water through their needles, even in winter, and anti-desiccants can greatly reduce this stress, keeping them healthy and green through the colder months.Taking the time to prepare your trees for winter will significantly enhance their ability to survive and thrive. By following these tips and utilizing the expertise of a professional service like Elevation Tree Service, any homeowner can ensure their landscape is ready for whatever the season brings. Contact Elevation Tree Service today to learn more about how we can help safeguard your trees this winter.