Four Tips to Keep Your Trees Healthy this Winter

People do not enjoy the long, cold months of winter, and frankly, trees don’t either. Continue reading to learn four ways you can help your landscape stay healthy to survive the rest of the winter.

Watch the Conditions

During the colder months, be sure to pay attention to the amount of snow around your trees. Keep in mind that snow and ice can be heavy. If you start to see your tree branches leaning toward the ground, your tree could be in danger. When you start to see snow build up or large icicles forming, use a broom to knock it off gently.

Use Less Deicing Salt

While deicing salts are important for preventing slips and falls, it’s vital to only apply when needed. Deicing salts can cause damage to your trees if not applied appropriately. To avoid damage, wait until snow has stopped falling and remove as much snow or ice as possible before applying the salt. The salt can cause soil compaction, which may interfere with water absorption and ultimately stop growth.

Remove Broken Branches

If you see a broken branch that isn’t covered in snow or ice, you should remove it. These are usually easy to spot and can be taken care of quickly. Most trees lose a few branches during winter, but any tree that loses a significant number of branches can go into shock or possibly die. If the broken branch is small in size, leave it until warmer weather. If the broken branch is large, contact us to request an estimate for our pruning service.

Wrap Younger Trees

Younger trees have a higher probability of splitting under the weight of heavy snow. Getting ahead of the potential frost and damage could be imperative. Loosely wrapping the base of the tree in plastic guards or burlap can help protect new bark. Plastic guards can be useful for thinner trees and can be used for multiple seasons. Burlap is a popular choice for larger evergreen trees.

Choose ArborCare to Help

Over the years, we have provided tree pruning, shaping and restoration to clients across Western Canada. Our experts are experienced in properly pruning trees to minimize the risk of broken limbs, falling branches, and prevents the spreading of diseases.

Also, ask us about the best way to keep your trees strong, and our plant management options.