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.
