As the winter months approach, protecting the trees on your property from the challenging Massachusetts winter becomes important.
Cold temperatures, harsh winds, and heavy snow can all take a toll on your landscape, and if you’re not careful, you could be making some common mistakes that put your trees at risk.
Proper winter tree prep is about understanding the unique needs of your trees and the specific threats of New England winters.
To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve compiled a list of key mistakes people make when it comes to how to prepare your trees for winter. By taking the right steps now, you can ensure that your trees survive and thrive once the snow melts.
Skipping Tree Trimming
Winter is an ideal time for dormant pruning: a process where you carefully trim trees when they’re not actively growing.
This not only keeps your trees healthy but also reduces the risk of branch breakage during heavy snow and ice storms. Dormant tree trimming allows you to remove weak or dead branches, which can become hazardous when weighed down by winter weather. Skipping this step can lead to broken limbs, which can damage your trees and pose safety hazards on your property.
Proper trimming also encourages healthy growth in spring, when trees come out of dormancy. If you’ve been putting off pruning, consider winter tree prep as the perfect reminder. Plus, at this time of year, pests and diseases are less likely to spread to fresh cuts on trees.
Incorrectly Wrapping Trees & Shrubs
When preparing for winter, many homeowners wrap their trees and shrubs to protect them from cold temperatures and wind, but improper wrapping can actually do more harm than good. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- Choose the Right Material: Avoid plastic or airtight wraps, which can trap moisture and cause rot. Instead, use breathable burlap or special tree wrap products.
- Wrap at the Right Height: When wrapping trees in winter, make sure you cover the base and lower branches but don’t restrict the tree’s ability to “breathe.”
- Remove the Wrap in Spring: Leaving wraps on too long can lead to mildew or rot. Be sure to remove wraps once the worst of the winter weather is over.
Wrapping trees in winter is an important part of tree care, but it needs to be done correctly. Otherwise, you risk harming the very trees you’re trying to protect.
Don’t Forget About Your Newly Planted Trees
Young trees are particularly vulnerable to winter’s harsh conditions. New roots haven’t yet developed the strength needed to absorb enough moisture, and winter conditions can make it even harder for them to survive.
For newly planted trees, winter protection goes beyond basic care. In addition to mulching the base to help insulate the roots, consider using protective barriers or wraps to shield young trees from drying winds and winter burn. Newly planted trees can be sensitive to fluctuations in temperature, and extra care can make all the difference.
Signs of Winter Burn
One common issue that Massachusetts homeowners encounter is winter burn on trees. This damage is caused by the combination of dry winter winds, intense sunlight, and freezing temperatures. It can lead to brown, scorched foliage and weakened branches, particularly on evergreens like yews, boxwoods, and arborvitae.
Some key signs of winter burn on trees include:
- Browning or discoloration of needles or leaves, especially on the windward side.
- Dry, brittle foliage.
- Damage concentrated on the tips of branches.
To prevent winter burn, ensure trees are well-watered before the ground freezes, and consider applying an anti-desiccant spray to help retain moisture in the leaves. Anti-desiccants are not always effective and can cause problems if not applied correctly, so be sure to consult an arborist. Remember, winter burn doesn’t show up immediately; it can take several weeks after winter has passed to see the full impact.
Keep An Eye Out For Salt Damage To Trees
In Massachusetts, winter road salt is a necessary evil, but it can be detrimental to trees and shrubs near roads, driveways, and sidewalks. Salt can dehydrate trees by pulling moisture from the roots, and in severe cases, it can lead to long-term health issues for your trees.
Some steps to minimize winter salt damage on trees include:
- Create a Barrier: If possible, place a burlap screen between your trees and salted areas to shield them from direct exposure.
- Use Alternative De-icers: Consider using sand or calcium magnesium acetate on your own walkways instead of sodium chloride, which is less harmful to plants.
- Flush the Soil in Spring: Once winter has passed, thoroughly water the soil around your trees to help flush out any accumulated salt.
At Hartney Greymont, we have both ISA and Massachusetts certified arborists located in Needham, Concord, Danvers, Cape Cod, and surrounding areas. Our team understands the unique challenges that Massachusetts winters pose for trees, and we’re here to help ensure that your landscape makes it through to spring in peak condition. Whether you need guidance on winter tree prep, dormant tree trimming, or managing winter salt damage on trees, we’re here to help.
Here Are Some More Tips On How To Prepare Trees For Winter
