As the coldest weather sets in, you might be thinking about the trees on your property—you want to protect them and ensure they’re ready for new growth in the spring. You may be aware of tree wrapping, but does it really benefit your trees? The guide below answers that question and provides some other tree care recommendations to keep them healthy, no matter how nippy the winter gets.

Does Wrapping Your Trees Protect Them?

In short, yes, but maybe not for the reasons you think. The goal with wrapping isn’t to insulate the tree and keep it warm; instead, you’re keeping the harmful sun off the tree’s bark. In younger trees and species with thin bark, winter sun can make the tissue more active. If the temperature drops below freezing, it can rupture the bark and put the tree in danger. This condition is known as sunscald, and it can be prevented with proper wrapping to keep sunlight from reaching the trunk of the tree. Once spring comes around, you can remove the wrap and let your tree grow as normal.

What Other Tree Care Steps Should You Take? 

Wrapping isn’t the only proactive step you can take to help your trees survive the winter. Mulching around the base of the tree will insulate the roots and help retain water. Due to limited food sources, many animals may try to make a meal out of roots or bark. Keep deer away with wire cages; meanwhile, the wrap to keep the sun off will pull double duty and drive away rabbits and rodents. Your trees are also dormant, so it’s a good time to prune any excess growth for the complete tree care process.

Put your trees in the best position this winter by hiring Arbor Authority. For two decades, they’ve been providing expert tree trimming, stump grinding, and removal throughout Clarke County and Jackson County, GA. To learn more about safeguarding your trees this winter, call (706) 654-6225. You can also learn more about their tree care services by visiting their website.