As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, it's essential to take some extra steps to ensure your trees are healthy and happy. With a little bit of care, you can ensure that your trees make it through the winter unscathed. Here are some of our top tips:
Use Mulch to Help the Soil Stay Moist and Warm
Mulching is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your trees in the winter. Mulch helps insulate roots, prevents soil erosion, and provides essential nutrients.
When applying mulch, be sure to use an organic material such as bark or wood chips. Avoid using inorganic materials such as rocks or plastic, as these can actually harm your tree. Apply mulch around the base of your tree, taking care not to pile it too high against the trunk. A general rule of thumb is to apply a layer that's 2-3 inches deep.
Prune Your Trees to Improve Their Structure and Prevent Future Damage
Pruning is also important for maintaining tree health during the winter months. Pruning helps stimulate growth, remove diseased or damaged branches, and increase air circulation.
When pruning, be sure to use clean, sharp tools. Make sure you prune branches that are dead, dying, diseased, or damaged. You should also prune any branches that are rubbing against each other or crossing over one another. Be careful not to over-prune, as this can damage your tree. As a general rule, you should only remove about 1/3 of the live branches on any given tree.
Cover Trees That Can Be Damaged During Freezing Weather
If you have trees that are susceptible to freezing (such as citrus trees), you may want to consider covering them with burlap or another type of breathable fabric. This will help protect them from the cold weather and prevent them from losing too much moisture. Be sure to remove the coverings once the weather warms up so that your tree can get the sunlight it needs.
Continue to Water Regularly
Your trees may not be quite as "thirsty" during winter as they are during summer, but you should continue to water them during colder months—especially if you're not getting much rainfall. When watering, be sure to soak the roots thoroughly. You may need to water more frequently if your tree is young or if the weather has been particularly dry.
Keep an Eye Out for Pests and Diseases
Pests and diseases can occur in winter, so be sure to watch out for any signs of trouble. Some of the most common tree-damaging pests to watch for during winter are winter mites, scale insects, and lace bugs.
- Winter mites look like tiny spiders. They feed on the sap of trees, which can cause leaves to become discolored or stunted.
- Scale insects are small, oval, hard-bodied pests that suck the sap out of trees. They can infest both evergreen and deciduous trees.
- Lace bugs are small insects with "lacy" wings. They feed on the chlorophyll in tree leaves, which can cause the leaves to become discolored or mottled.
If you notice any pests or diseases on your trees, be sure to contact a certified arborist or tree care professional for assistance.
Tree & Shrub Landscaping in Eureka, MO
By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that the trees on your property are healthy and happy all winter long!
If you need help with any tree-related projects on your Eureka property, be sure to contact the experts at TurfOne Landscape Management. Our professional landscapers are here to help you with all of your tree care needs. Give us a call today: (314) 310-7357!