Plants go dormant during the winter, but they still need a bit of care to stay healthy. Proper maintenance helps ensure lush and healthy growth come spring. It also reduces the likelihood of major damage and disease. From tree trimming to irrigation, here are a few steps to take now and throughout the season.

How to Maintain Trees During the Winter

1. Water

Even dormant trees need water to survive. Throughout the winter, if there’s a prolonged warm period where the ground thaws and there hasn’t been precipitation for about a week, water your trees.

New trees need around 10 to 15 gallons each time you water, while established ones need 10 to 15 gallons per inch of trunk diameter.

2. Mulch

Mulch is an effective ground insulator, protecting roots from frost. It also traps water in the soil to ensure the roots get adequate amounts of moisture.

Add about three inches of mulch around the trunks in a radius of about two feet. Use organic materials, such as wood chips or leaves, to add nutrients to the soil.

3. Cover

Young or damaged trees are especially vulnerable to damage during the winter. For example, broken bark may freeze at night and thaw in the morning, breaking apart further as it expands and contracts.

Damaged limbs are more vulnerable to pests and disease, which can affect all surrounding vegetation. Wrap the trunks of newly planted and damaged trees with burlap or tarps to protect them.

4. Prune

Winter is an ideal time for tree trimming. Since the leaves are gone, it’s easy to see the tree’s structure. Most organisms that carry diseases are also dormant during this period, which protects the cut sections.

A professional will identify and remove branches that are dead or dying, decreasing safety hazards in your property and ensuring healthy growth in the spring.

 

If you’re ready to schedule tree trimming, contact Liscombe Tree Service in St. Charles, MO. This arborist is fully insured and offers an array of services, including pruning and dead tree removal. The team works efficiently and has safety equipment to ensure the best results. Visit their website for a full list of services, or call (314) 650-9055 to request an estimate.