Now that winter is officially here in New England, it’s easy to think that there isn’t much that needs to be done in terms of caring for your trees. On the contrary; winter tree care can be extremely vital in the overall health of the tree for the upcoming warmer months.
Right now, your trees are in the inactive, or dormant, stage of growth-which is the best time to prune. Pruning can be done for aesthetic purposes, but it can also be done for the safety of the tree and your property. If tree limbs are too large and loom near power lines, your home, or other objects on your property-it can put them all at serious risk of damage. Limbs that are too weak need to be pruned to avoid damage to the tree itself. Proper pruning can help to prevent trees from weeping over from the weight of heavy snow and ice that can form in the winter. Pruning in the winter is less intrusive to the tree and is also more effective for the arborist. Due to the lack of leaves, the arborist can easily see the shape of the tree, allowing him to know exactly where to make the proper cuts.
In preparation for next year’s winter tree care, it is helpful to water and mulch some of your trees before the first heavy frost. The mulch will help to retain some moisture in the roots of the tree and help to keep pesky weeds out. Ideally mulch should be spread to about 2 to 3 inches thick using the taper method. Too much mulch piled up next to the trunk of the tree can trap too much moisture which can cause fungus growth and disease.
If there is a large winter storm headed your way and you are concerned about some of the trees on your property, it is best to reach out to a professional who can assess the situation and implement the proper techniques.
Here at Green Trees Arborcare, we know trees. We have a highly skilled and professional team with the right equipment to get the job done right. If you have any winter tree care questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at: 508-384-2992 or click here to reach us on the web.
With Hurricane/Tropical Storm Arthur currently making his way up the Eastern coast and putting a damper on 4th of July plans, now is a good time to address proper hurricanetree care. Hurricane season typically lasts from June 1-November 30. The best way to prepare trees for hurricanes is from the very beginning before you start planting. While Massachusetts has been known to have a few significant hurricanes pass through, it is nothing compared to states like Florida and North Carolina. However, if tree damage is a concern of yours when a hurricane or tropical storm does makes its way through the state, here are a few hurricane tree care tips to keep in mind:
Work with a tree care professional or landscaper to carefully choose trees that are a good option for strong winds and heavy rains.
Choosing trees with strong root systems, trunks, and branches is the best option.
There are certain species of trees that are more wind-resistant than others.
Plant trees away from the house and power lines.
Once trees have established themselves, contact a professional tree company to properly prune your trees.
Proper pruning will encourage the development of a sturdy, well-spaced framework of healthy branches around a central leader. The canopy edge can be thinned, allowing air to pass through freely.
If you feel like there are trees on your property that should be removed because they are already dead, weak, or rotting and fear damage to your property, contact a tree care professional to come out and assess the situation.
Hopefully these hurricane tree care tips will provide some insight before the upcoming storm and the remainder of the 2014 hurricane season.
Here at Green Trees Arborcare, we understand how important trees are but also comprehend the potential dangers they pose to your property when in-climate weather hits. If you need to have any of the trees on your property assessed before taking further action or simply need well-established trees properly pruned, please don’t hesitate to contact us at: 508-384-2992 or click here to reach us on the web.
