The Tree Winterization Process
Winter protection starts before the ground freezes. Our specialists begin by inspecting your trees for dead, damaged or weak limbs that could break under snow and ice, and removing them before winter arrives. Larger structural pruning is usually best done during dormancy in late winter, when trees are under less stress and pests and diseases are inactive. For oaks, dormant pruning is especially important, since pruning between April and July increases the risk of oak wilt.
Next, we apply a 2 to 4 inch layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. Mulch helps the soil hold moisture through the dry winter months and protects roots from deep cold. Mulch piled directly against the bark can cause rot and give rodents a place to nest, so proper placement matters. We offer several varieties of mulch in different colors and textures to suit your trees and landscape. From mature trees to newly planted ones, correct mulching improves overall tree health.
Young and thin-barked trees, including maples, lindens, honeylocusts and fruit trees, are prone to sunscald and frost cracks. Winter sun warms the bark during the day, and a sharp drop in temperature at night can split it. A light-colored tree wrap applied in late fall reflects sunlight and keeps bark temperatures more even. Wraps should be removed in spring so they don’t trap moisture or insects against the trunk.
Tree guards made of wire mesh or hardware cloth protect trunks from rabbits and voles, which chew bark when other food is scarce, and from deer rubbing their antlers in the fall. For shrubs near driveways and walkways, protective covers keep plowed snow and ice from breaking branches. Don’t let the work of planting and caring for your trees go to waste over one winter. Contact Oberndorfer to schedule winter tree protection before the ground freezes.
