With winter coming so soon, it’s time for us to start preparing for winter in all the ways we must: holiday shopping, winterizing our homes, and determining how to best care for our trees. You may be prepared to spend your winter in the comfort of your own home but the coming months can be quite stressful for many kinds of plants. When the temperature gets as cold as it does during the winter, it can put certain kinds of bushes, shrubs, and trees at risk, so take advantage of these tips for proper winter care.
Prune Ahead of Time
If you’re thinking about this now, you’re already ahead of the curve. You’ve given yourself just enough time to get in and prune your trees, which can prevent a number of serious winter issues. When the temperature begins to drop, weaker branches are the most vulnerable and leave your tree in a fragile state. Instead, pruning during the fall gives you enough time to get the job done without allowing for new growths to form. Any larger branches that seem vulnerable but aren’t something you want to prune can be tied up with rope to reinforce their structure.
Use Cold-Weather Blankets
Certain varieties of trees are better at handling cold weather than others. Some—like cherry, citrus, and palm trees—are particularly vulnerable, which is why you may turn to cold-weather blankets. The quick change of weather can cause frost cracking, which leaves the bark of a tree injured and vulnerable to further issues from bacteria, insects, and fungi. Young trees are particularly at risk. To solve this issue, purchase tree blankets from a local hardware store.
Stop Animals
The winter also brings about scarcity for many animals. Unfortunately, this may mean that they take to your trees as a source of shelter and food. Depending on where you live, this may mean rats, deer, mice, squirrels, rabbits, and raccoons all shacking up on your property. Be on the lookout for telltale signs like teeth marks or stripped bark. To deal with this, start by cleaning up the surrounding area of any branches or debris. There are also tree guards that help repel animals.
Utilize Mulch
Cold weather leads to the ground freezing. This ends up making it difficult for trees to absorb enough moisture from their soil, meaning they can dry out. To combat this, try using organic mulch. Place a layer of it around each tree, which then helps insulate it and prevents it from getting too cold and freezing up.
Tree Care and Maintenance from Harford Tree
Ready to have the beautiful yard you have always dreamed of? Harford Tree Experts & Landscaping, Inc has been in the business for decades, providing customers with quality work and quick responses all at the right price. We service the areas of Harford County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City areas including Bel Air, Fallston, Perry Hall, Towson, Essex, Parkville, White Marsh, and Middle River. For service during business hours, reach out to us or give us a call at 410-592-7321. We offer 24/7 emergency service as well, just give us a call at 443-250-6649. For updates about our business and more informative tips, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.