Winter Weather Can Wreak Havoc on Trees & Shrubs
For Immediate Release
December 01, 2008
Media Contact:
Sue Bennett
847-353-0928
The Care of Trees Offers Tips, Services for Winter Protection
ELMSFORD, New York – When winter weather strikes, the last thing most people want to do is tend to outside landscaping. But a minimum amount of maintenance during chilly months can help protect trees and shrubs from damage caused by cold climates. With help from The Care of Trees, homes and businesses can be rewarded with flourishing trees and shrubs in the spring.
According to Mike Cook, an arborist for The Care of Trees, dormant pruning is an easy and effective way to maintain tree health during the winter months. Dormant pruning is done when no leaves are on the trees, typically beginning in December and continuing through February. The process allows arborists to quickly evaluate the structure of trees and identify any needed changes.
“Our work is often more efficient during winter, as the structure of the tree becomes more visible, allowing us to see its framework and the pattern of its branches,” Cook said.
Dormant pruning can slow the spread of certain diseases, such as Dutch Elm disease and oak wilt. It also helps protect your family and property from the potentially dangerous effects of wind shear, which may cause tree limbs to fall during a storm. In addition, firmer ground during winter months allows for easier equipment access.
Pruning can also help reduce snow and ice damage to trees that are prone to this kind of damage. Birches, for instance, can be devastated by snow and ice if not pruned on a regular basis to help improve their structure.
Poorly done pruning can cause lasting damage to trees. Improper pruning techniques can cause an unnecessarily large wound in the tree, making it more susceptible to pests and disease.
“It’s easy for certified arborists to tell what branches need to be pruned, while it can be tricky for people who don’t know what to look for,” Cook said. “Winter is a good time for us to inspect your trees, as we can spot problems, such as insect damage or weak branches, that would not be as visible during other seasons.”
The Care of Trees has several additional winter tree care tips:
- Take a look at your trees. During the winter, people may not be outside enough to notice damaged trees or broken branches. However, this can be the best time to examine your trees for any harm because the lack of foliage makes it easier to see the structure of your trees.
- Mulching trees can help retain soil moisture. The extreme drought this summer was tough on trees. Mulching during the winter, even when the ground is frozen, can help trees from becoming further stressed.
- Don’t forget to water – occasionally. Conifer trees, such as spruce, fir and pine trees, and other young trees can benefit from an intermittent watering during winter months. However, only water when the soil is dry and not frozen.
- Protect the base of your tree. Prevent future problems on young trees by wrapping the base in a plastic guard, burlap, or a plastic cloth. Be sure to remove the material at the beginning of spring.
The Care of Trees can assist home and business owners with dormant pruning and winter maintenance. For more information and to find an office near you, visit http://www.thecareoftrees.com.