Winter is a challenging season for trees in Northeast Ohio. From fluctuating temperatures to ice storms, your trees endure harsh conditions. Taking a proactive approach to winter tree care ensures their health, safety, and longevity. Here’s what to consider for winter tree care and why it matters.
1. Winter Pruning and Shaping
Winter is the ideal time to prune deciduous trees because they are dormant. Pruning helps:
- Prevent winter damage: Removing dead or weak branches reduces the risk of breakage under snow and ice.
- Improve structure: Pruning strengthens tree growth by removing unnecessary branches that may compete for resources.
- Maintain safety: Large branches near buildings or power lines pose a winter hazard, and strategic pruning reduces this risk.
For flowering trees, wait until after their blooming season. A professional tree service, such as Linger’s Lumberjacks, can determine the best approach for each tree type.
2. Protect Against Ice and Snow Damage
Heavy snow and ice can bend and break branches. Consider these steps to reduce winter storm impact:
- Support vulnerable branches: Tree cabling provides extra support for weak limbs and trunks. This technique can save structurally compromised trees, protecting both the tree and nearby property.
- Avoid shaking snow-covered branches: Gently brush off snow when possible, but shaking branches can cause breakage.
- Remove dead branches: Weak branches are more likely to fall under the weight of ice, creating additional damage.
3. Mulching and Insulating the Root Zone
Cold weather stresses tree roots, so it’s crucial to insulate them:
- Add mulch around the base of the tree to maintain soil temperature and moisture levels. This helps protect roots from freezing.
- Avoid piling mulch against the trunk, as this can trap moisture and lead to rot or attract pests. Instead, create a mulch ring around the tree’s base.
4. Watering During Dry Winters
While trees go dormant, they still require moisture. During dry winters:
- Water on mild days: If the ground isn’t frozen, provide a deep watering once a month to keep roots hydrated. Focus on young or newly planted trees.
- Check soil moisture periodically and water when necessary, especially if fall was dry.
5. Monitoring for Winter Stress
Winter’s fluctuating temperatures can confuse trees, particularly during mild winters, which can pull them out of dormancy prematurely. Signs of stress include:
- Browning needles on evergreens: This can indicate dehydration or wind damage.
- Splitting bark on deciduous trees: Known as “sunscald,” this damage occurs when sunny winter days warm tree bark, which then freezes rapidly at night.
If you notice these signs, consult a tree care expert to assess the damage. Linger’s Lumberjacks offers services to support stressed trees, from cabling to pruning damaged branches.
6. Protecting Young and Vulnerable Trees
Young trees and those recently planted may need extra care to survive the winter:
- Wrap tree trunks with burlap or tree wrap to protect against frost and wind damage.
- Stake loosely to stabilize young trees if high winds are common, but avoid over-restraining to allow natural flexibility.
Winter Tree Care Services by Linger’s Lumberjacks
Linger’s Lumberjacks offers top-tier winter tree care services to keep your property safe and your trees healthy all season long. Their expert team provides everything from precision pruning and sturdy cabling to reliable 24/7 emergency services for storm-damaged trees. Protect your landscape with professional support for mulching, trimming, and safe tree removal—all expertly managed to minimize impact on your property. Located in Norton, Ohio, Linger’s Lumberjacks is the trusted choice for local tree care. Call them today at 330-825-0161 to schedule your winter service and enjoy peace of mind all winter long.