As winter approaches, the cold temperatures, snow and ice can put stress on your trees. To help them weather the season, it’s important to prepare before the first snow hits.
These are pre-winter tree care tips to ensure they remain healthy through the winter months.
Assess for Winter Desiccation
Drought stress can take a heavy toll on trees, particularly in Ohio, where our summers are dry, with most rain arriving in the fall. But recently, we’ve seen longer summer droughts that extend into the autumn season. Watering trees until early to mid-December, especially in such dry conditions, can help maintain their health when soil moisture is low.
Evergreens are particularly vulnerable to winter elements and suffer needle drop due to the cold and dry winter winds. Applying an anti-desiccant spray can help reduce moisture loss as it provides a protective layer on the surface of a tree’s leaves or needles. It forms a waxy or polymer-based coating that helps lock in moisture and protect the plant from the elements.
Applying anti-desiccant sprays in late fall, before the oncoming freezing temperatures, can improve a tree’s ability to retain moisture throughout the winter, particularly for evergreens that are vulnerable to drying out.
Prune for Health
Pruning is important for a tree’s health and protecting it from winter damage. While most trees can be pruned year-round, some species require pruning during specific seasons to avoid the spread of diseases. For instance, cherry or apple trees are best pruned in winter to prevent fire blight, and oak trees should be pruned in the fall or winter to reduce the risk of oak wilt.
Winter damage often results from snow and ice accumulating on branches. Having an arborist identify weak branches or structural flaws and recommend appropriate pruning or cabling will help reduce the risk of winter damage to your trees.
Trees damaged by decay or structural defects may require removal, depending on the extent of the damage. Warning signs to look out for include the sprouting of mushrooms, soft or loose bark or flat spots around the trunk’s base.
If there are signs of structural weakness, such as co-dominant stems or long limbs with poor taper, an arborist may be able to reduce the risk through cabling or reduction. Trees with significant damage may need to be removed to prevent future hazards.
Trees located near structures or power lines can pose a significant risk during winter storms. A trained arborist can assess these trees to determine whether pruning, relocation or removal is the best course of action. If relocation isn’t feasible, replanting with a species that’s better suited for the location is an excellent long-term solution.
Prepare for the Unexpected
To prepare for potential winter storm damage, regular inspections by an experienced arborist can play a huge role in protecting your trees. Proactive tree care can prevent future issues, but in case of an emergency, Ahlum and Arbor can mobilize crews to respond quickly, sometimes even on the same day a call is received.
Additionally, trees susceptible to deer damage, like young, thin-barked trees, should be protected with a wire cage or fence. If damage has already occurred, loose bark can be trimmed away to encourage new woundwood formation. To prevent sunscald, apply white latex paint to the southwest side of young trees to reflect sunlight and prevent frost cracks during late winter or early spring. As the tree matures, its bark will thicken and become resistant to sudden temperature changes.
Even if the snow has already arrived, there are still steps you can take to help your trees stay strong throughout the winter months. Whether it’s 30 degrees or below zero, our expert arborists at Ahlum & Arbor are ready to assist you with the best care for your trees during the colder months.