Taking care of your trees during winter is as important as looking after your pets and wrapping up warm to avoid the cold. Winter brings cold temperatures, icy winds, and snow.

It also causes animals, people and trees extra stress during these cold months; but trees cannot avoid exposure to the elements. If you take care of your trees in the winter, you will be rewarded in the spring.

Tip 1) Plant New Trees in Winter.

Winter is the best time to plant trees. During winter, most trees are dormant (less active) and the weather conditions are more favourable for planting trees. As there is more water in the ground. In the summer, high temperatures and hot weather can scorch young trees’ leaves. Planting in the winter prevents these problems.

Tip 2) Remember to Give Your Trees a Drink.

It’s not just humans that like to drink in the winter. Winter can be as dry as the summer, despite the cold temperatures. Your trees will require watering as much in winter droughts as they do in the summer. If temperatures permit, an occasional winter watering for young trees can be a lifesaver. Be sure to water only when soil and trees are cool but not frozen.

Tip 3) Feed Your Trees.

Put composted organic material (mulch) under your tree in the autumn or early winter to help retain water and reduce the effect of extreme temperatures. A thin layer of compost will act like a blanket and will give tree’s roots a little extra winter protection.

Tip 4) Prevent Injuries to Your Trees.

Branches of your trees can break or split during the winter season, this is due to water freezing into ice. When this happens, the water expands and creates cracks in the tree’s bark. Prevent problems from occurring on young trees by wrapping the tree base in a hard, plastic guard or a metal-wire cloth. Wrapping trees with plastic cloth can also prevent temperature damage. Just remember to remove the wraps and guards in the spring to allow the tree to begin growing again.

Tip 5) Prune Your Trees.

Winter is one of the best times to prune; it is easier to see the structure of the trees without their leaves. Limit pruning to deadwood, structural and shape improvements in order to save as many living branches as possible. If unsure, get an experts advice, as poor pruning can cause a great deal of damage to the tree.

While your trees are dormant in the winter, exposure to the tough winter conditions can cause them major stress. You can minimize the amount of stress caused by winter, with some tender loving care. If you are unsure, of what you can do to care for your tree in the winter, or the correct pruning methods.

————————————————————————-

For a free quote please feel free to contact Douglas Fir Tree Care who have over eight years experience of pruning, planting and looking after your trees in the winter months.

Related Articles:
When To Plant Trees
Tree Pruning Tips
10 Tree Care Tips
Bats Roost In Trees