Winter is a great time to give your trees some extra TLC. They are dormant and can handle some extra attention. Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your trees stay healthy throughout the winter season.

Prune and Remove Dead Branches or Limbs

Pruning your tree in the winter helps promote healthy growth and can help reduce disease. Cut away any dead, diseased, or damaged branches and limbs. This will help ensure your tree stays strong and healthy throughout the season. The best time for pruning is when the tree is dormant.

To ensure your tree’s health, keeping a clean base is important. Remove any roots that are growing above ground or any remaining leaves.

Mulch and Water

Adding a layer of mulch around the tree can help to protect it from cold weather. It also helps to conserve moisture and keeps the soil temperature warm. Make sure to use organic mulch, as this is better for your tree’s health.

It’s also important to ensure your tree gets enough water during the winter months. This will help it stay strong and healthy. Watering your tree deeply once a month should be enough to keep it healthy.

Protect From Animal Damage

Animals, like rabbits and deer, can cause a lot of damage to your tree during the winter months. To protect your tree from animal damage, you can wrap it in burlap or use fencing around the trunk. This will help to deter animals from nibbling away at your tree. You should also clean up any fallen fruits or nuts to reduce the chances of animals coming around.

Fertilize

Fertilizing your tree in the winter can help to ensure it survives and grows strong. Apply a slow-release fertilizer and spread it around the base of your tree. This will help to give it the nutrients it needs during winter. Since fertilizers can be damaging to trees, it’s important to follow the instructions on the package. This will help you apply the right amount of fertilizer and avoid any potential damage.

Be Wary of Ice and Snow

Ice and snow can cause serious damage to trees during the winter months. To avoid this, removing any snow or ice from your tree is important. This will help to prevent branches from breaking and ensure your tree stays healthy. If possible, try to move the snow away from the base of your tree. This will help to prevent it from being damaged by any heavy snowfall.

Following these tips can help ensure that your tree stays healthy and strong throughout the winter months. With a little extra care, you can help your tree thrive during this season. Consulting a tree care service can also provide valuable insight into properly caring for your tree during the winter. If you are in Wilmington, NC or the surrounding area, reach out to us at A+ Tree & Landscaping to schedule trimming and pruning or other tree care services.