The trees in your yard must be cared for throughout the year, but their needs change as the seasons come and go. Now that winter is right around the corner, it’s a good idea to learn how to care for your trees during the coldest season of the year. Here are some tips from a Denver tree service company to keep your trees healthy in the winter:

Remove Snow

Snow may look light and fluffy, but it can actually be quite heavy especially when it comes during early fall or spring.

If too much snow accumulates on a tree’s branches, the weight of the snow could cause the branches to snap.

Prevent this problem by clearing snow off of tree branches throughout the winter instead of waiting for the snow to melt on its own.

Use a broom to gently nudge the branches that are covered in snow upwards. Do not use a shovel or another heavy object that may harm the tree in the process of removing the snow.

Also, be sure that you are not directly underneath the branches as you try to remove the snow. Make contact with the tree at an angle so if the branch is more brittle than you anticipated, it will not hit you when it snaps and falls to the ground.

Ice is another environmental element that could harm the trees in your yard. If the branches are covered in a layer of ice, do not try to shake them. Branches that are covered in ice are extremely brittle and may snap if they are jerked back and forth. Instead, try spraying warm water onto the ice so that it melts and frees your branch from its grip.

Learn more about snow cover on trees and shrubs: when and how to remove it.

Avoid Rock Salt

People often use rock salt to melt patches of ice around their home. But if you want to keep your trees healthy, don’t use rock salt on any ice patches that are located near your trees. Rock salt can damage the tree’s roots and prevent them from absorbing the nutrients that the tree needs to survive. If you need to melt ice around a tree, choose an ice melting product that is made with magnesium chloride, potassium, or calcium instead.

Keep Animals Away

Small animals may start to eat the outer layer of bark on the trees in your yard, leaving the vulnerable inner bark exposed to the harsh environmental elements.

Trees can survive after losing a small amount of outer bark, but if the animal makes its way around the entire trunk, it could cause serious damage.

To protect your tree, put some type of barrier in place before the winter season begins. It’s recommended that you use either a plastic barrier or chicken wire that wraps around the truck of the tree. This will keep small animals away and ensure that your tree makes it to the spring.

Add Fresh Mulch

Prepare for the upcoming winter by putting a fresh layer of mulch around the base of your trees. The mulch will act as an insulator and protect the tree’s roots from exposure to extremely cold temperatures.

Mulch can also prevent winter drought, which is a common problem that affects trees when the ground freezes and the roots are unable to absorb enough water.

In order for mulch to do its job, it has to be laid down properly. Do not apply the mulch directly at the base of the tree—start a few inches away and move all the way out to the drip line.

Be sure to choose an organic mulch instead of an inorganic mulch that is harmful to the environment. The layer should be around two inches thick at the very most. If the mulch is too thick, it may attract mice and other rodents that are looking for a warm spot to burrow in for the winter.

Remove Potentially Dangerous Branches

Being exposed to snow, ice, and fluctuating temperatures can put a lot of stress on tree branches and cause them to suddenly break. Any branch may be damaged by the stresses of winter, but dead and diseased branches are especially at risk.

During the late fall, walk around your property and try to spot any branches that appear to be dead or diseased. You should also look for branches that are hanging too close to your home or your car. It’s recommended that you have these removed before they branches fall and hurt someone or something. But, don’t attempt to remove branches on your property on your own. This is a dangerous job that should be handled by experienced professionals with the proper safety gear and equipment.

Start Early

Don’t wait until the ground is frozen and covered in snow to start thinking about your trees. At this point, it may be too late to prevent some of the winter-related problems that could affect your trees. The earlier that you plan for winter, the better off your trees will be.

Care For Trees Year-Round

It’s hard to keep a tree healthy in the winter if it has been neglected for most of the year. The best way to grow a yard full of healthy and strong trees is to care for them on a regular basis.

Enlist the help of a professional so you know exactly what needs to be done and when. By working with a tree service company, you won’t have to commit as much time and effort to taking care of your trees.

Do you want to learn more about caring for your trees throughout the year? If so, contact the professionals to discuss your needs.

Arbor Garden is a locally owned and operated tree services company that specializes in tree pruning, removing, stump removal, planting, and pest management. We will be more than happy to assist you with caring for your trees all year round.

Contact us today to learn more about our tree and integrated pest management services and receive a free estimate.