Winter may seem like the time when you just leave your trees alone. That couldn’t be further from the truth; not taking the care and time to properly protect your trees during the colder winter months can cause branch breakage and substantial stress. Practicing good plant health care during the winter can help them become more robust and healthier.

Here are the top three winter tree care tips to keep your trees healthy this winter:   

1. Water Your Trees

Despite the colder temperatures, it’s important to continue watering your trees during winter. While dormant trees need less water in the winter than during their growing season, ensuring they have enough water to avoid drying out during harsh winter weather is essential. 

Here’s how to properly water your trees during the winter:

• Lay a layer of mulch around the roots before the first freeze to help water retention
• Use a root fork to allow the water to penetrate deep into the soil rather than drain away
• Use a hose on a low setting to water slowly
• Water once or twice per month, depending on snowfall

Dry soil can cause stress to trees, so make sure to water them regularly and properly during cold spells.

2. Take Advantage of the Winter Season With Pruning

Winter is an excellent time to schedule tree pruning services. Pruning your trees during this time can help remove damaged or diseased branches and encourage new growth. Other benefits of pruning your trees during the winter include: 

• Reduces the risk of spreading disease
• Causes less stress to the tree
• Minimizes winter damage
• Delivers more efficient work
• Creates better-looking Spring trees

The bareness of the branches allows professional ISA Certified Arborists a clear view of what is happening with the limbs and branches, making winter the best season to prune your trees.

3. Provide Winter Protection for Your Trees 

While trees seem hardy, protecting fragile trees and plants from winter weather is crucial. Trees are particularly vulnerable and weak during the winter, especially with the risk of frost cracks and winter die-offs. Here are some ways you can protect your trees and foliage against the colder weather:

• Avoid using de-icer or salt near them
• Cover your trees during harsh weather
• Use tree guards or wraps to protect young trunks
• Layer mulch over their roots
• Apply dormant oil spray to control pests
• Use a protective spray to prevent winter-weather dry out

Keep Your Trees Healthy All Year With Bratt Tree Company

Winter tree care is crucial in ensuring that your trees remain healthy and strong during the colder months. Our ISA Certified Arborists at Bratt Tree Company are ready to help you care for your trees during the winter.

We will inspect and maintain your trees to keep them healthy and strong enough to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws at the Twin Cities during winter. We also deliver free estimates and upfront pricing, so you’ll know what to expect when your tree services begin.

For expert winter tree care in the Twin Cities, count on Bratt Tree Company. Schedule your appointment today by calling 612-721-4153 or contacting us online!