The trees on your property have gone through a long, tough summer season. With the arrival of November and cooler fall weather, your trees get a much-needed break and prepare for the upcoming winter season. Although Mother Nature handles most of the process, some trees on your property may need assistance to prepare for freezing temperatures and harsh winter winds. Therefore, our Tri-Cities area ISA-certified arborists at Promier Tree share on the blog five tips to prepare and protect your trees this November so that they can withstand the winter and thrive in the spring.
1. Continue watering evergreens
Evergreen trees can provide year-round visual pleasure for your landscaping. As drier fall weather begins, it’s crucial to continue watering evergreen trees to prevent needle and moisture loss to retain their vigor and health. Our Kingsport tree care experts explain that the soil surrounding your evergreen trees should not be dry when the winter season arrives. Water evergreen trees when the temperature is above 40 degrees in the midday sun, so there’s plenty of time for the water to seep into the soil before the temperature drops at night.
2. Plant new trees and shrubs
Planting new trees and shrubs in November is ideal for establishing roots before the ground freezes. First, prepare the area by loosening the soil beyond the plant’s drip line. Then, our Johnson City ISA-certified arborists advise homeowners to plant trees and shrubs at the same depth as the nursery and no deeper. Next, be sure to remove all ropes, wires, or non-biodegradable materials from plant stems and roots before filling the hole. Finally, add a two to three-inch layer of mulch around the tree, leaving a gap several inches away from the trunk base. New trees and shrubs require moist soil that reaches root depths for the best results.
3. Prune after the first frost
Some trees, plants, and flowers can benefit from pruning and regular maintenance year-round. However, our Bristol tree care experts explain that pruning certain trees during the fall season could have detrimental effects on tree health and introduce pests and diseases that can pass to other trees on your property. On the other hand, while some fall flowers and plants may be frost tolerant, most of them will succumb after the first frost. Pruning or deadheading plants can encourage spring growth and help maintain their shape.
4. Protect evergreens with windscreens
Winter is not only a season of freezing temperatures but harsh winter winds that can severely impact evergreen tree health. For example, the more frigid the winter temperature, the more likely your evergreens will suffer damage. Winter burn is a condition that evergreens experience when they lose more water than they can absorb. Unfortunately, winter burn can damage needle tips and leaf edges, making them appear brown and dry. In most cases, an evergreen tree with winter burn can recover from the damage. However, to help prevent the condition, our Tri-Cities tree care experts advise homeowners to apply a burlap windscreen to newly planted broadleaf evergreens like hollies, boxwood, and azaleas. Additionally, it’s crucial to insert the screen stakes into the ground before it freezes. Applying a windscreen can protect evergreen trees from harsh winter winds and moisture loss.
5. Choose fall foliage nursery stock
Adding a pop of fall color to your landscaping is easy in November because the trees are showing off their colors. Now is the perfect time to peruse the nursery stock to find trees that will be perfect on your property. Then, our Kingsport ISA-certified arborists advise homeowners to plant the trees shortly after purchasing them so they can establish a quality root system before winter arrives and the ground freezes.
ISA-Certified arborists in Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol, Tennessee
Your trees work hard to provide beauty and shade through the hot summer months. Since November is the month of Thanksgiving, show your trees some love by protecting them from winter elements. They are sure to return the favor in the spring growing season. If you have questions about caring for your trees this November, please contact our Johnson City tree care pros at Promier Tree by calling (423) 765-2626 or contact us online.