The winter season is coming, and temperatures will soon be falling. Although the trees in your yard are dormant in the winter, providing care during the freezing temperatures can increase your success rate of a healthy, thriving tree in the spring. The ISA certified arborists in the Tri-Cities area at Promier Tree explain four ways to care for your trees this winter so that they stand healthy and robust for years to come.
1. Pruning time
For most tree species, winter is the best time to prune because certain trees are dormant during cooler months. The process of pruning helps young trees to flourish by establishing a good structure that could help prevent future damage like limb failure. When pruning, maintain a keen eye for damaged, diseased, dying, or dead branches and remove them to reduce additional health concerns. The Kingsport professional tree care company encourages homeowners with the proper training to prune their trees. However, if you do not have the right tools or feel uncomfortable with pruning the correct branches, hire a certified arborist in Kingsport.
2. Protect young trees from frost
Young trees are highly susceptible to changing weather conditions such as a drop in temperatures. While most saplings and tropical/subtropical species have a low tolerance for temperatures below 32 degrees, you can protect the health of your trees this winter. When you discover from the news or weather channel that temperatures may drop below 32 degrees, it is time to cover any vulnerable trees and plants. The best method recommended by your local Johnson City tree professionals is to use burlap, tarps, or sheets that are large enough to extend to the ground to trap the earth’s warmth that accumulated from the sun during the day. Be sure to use a frame or stakes on the sides to minimize contact between the foliage and the cover.
3. Mulch retains warmth and moisture
There will be days with much-needed warmth from the sun and moisture that comes in the form of rain, snow, or frost throughout the winter. Mulching the base of your tree can provide life-sustaining warmth and water through winter if applied correctly. Bristol’s tree care pros advise homeowners to use three to five inches of mulch spread out in a layer that extends two or more feet outward from the tree base in every direction, effectively making a circle around the tree. Starting a few inches from the tree base, use organic mulch such as wood chips either with or without additional leaf matter to create a “donut” encircling the tree. As a word of warning, the ISA certified arborists at Promier Tree advise against making a mulch volcano around the base as it could lead to excess moisture around the trunk and cause decay.
4. Water when there is no rain
The winter season in Tennessee can be dry with little precipitation. Saplings may struggle during the winter because of a lack of water, so you must water them about every week or two with about 10-15 gallons of water each time. Mature trees have deep roots that can generally find water during the winter. However, during unusually dry times, watering your mature tree once a month or once every other month is crucial. Kingsport’s experienced tree care company recommends using 10-15 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter at about four and a half feet from the ground. For example, a 10″ trunk tree would need approximately 100-150 gallons of water or enough water for four to five laundry loads. The water application should occur slowly throughout the day to maximize absorption and minimize run-off.
Certified arborists in Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol, Tennessee
Taking care of your trees during the winter season’s harsh temperatures can lead to beautiful buds and green leaves in the spring. Even though it may seem simple to care for your trees, it is best to contact a Tri-Cities area ISA certified arborist to learn the proper way to address your tree care needs during the winter, so you grow a healthy tree that adds value to your home and property. To ask questions or request a visit from one of our professionals at Promier Tree, feel free to contact us by calling (423) 765-2626 or request a consultation online.