When the winter months approach we never think twice about our trees in the yard. We just naturally assume that they will weather the harsh elements of winter with ease but this isn’t really true. The weather, salt, and other factors can damage our trees and shrubs. Here’s how you can protect them so they make it through the winter in one piece and suffer minimal damage.
Why Trees Need Protection
Colder weather presents many problems for the trees and shrubs in our yards. They can suffer damage from the cold and winds of the longer, harsher months. Snow and ice can break tender limbs and leave the trees in bad shape. Any trees that are susceptible to cold weather should be wrapped. They will stay warmer this way and they won’t get the snow and ice on them that damages smaller branches. Salt from de-icing can also be problematic for your trees and shrubs.
Wrap Trees
Tree wraps can help your younger trees survive the harsh elements. Mulch around the base of the tree can also help your trees during the harsher months of the year. Add this once the ground is frozen. Shredded bark, leaves, and pine needles are good choices.
Tree wrap can be used on thin-barked trees and burlap can act as a windscreen around the tree to protect from sun damage and winds. Smaller limbs can be wrapped together so the ice and snow don’t break them. Many trees, such as upright evergreens, birch, and other deciduous trees are prone to breakage from ice and snow conditions. Remove these wraps in the spring and allow the trees to grow again. Use repellants around the trees for rabbits, deer, and moles as they will be looking for food in the winter months.
Trees by Roads
It’s not a good idea to plant trees and shrubs near roads that are heavily used in the winter as the salt from trucks can get onto the trees. If you do have trees near the road make sure these are wrapped well in the winter to keep the salt off of them as much as possible. Wash the sidewalks and the trees to remove the salt. Building a fence if possible is another idea to keep some of the salt sprays off of the trees. Salt tends to accumulate on lower branches so clean these as much as possible.
Fertilizer
After the first frost, you might want to apply some fertilizer to the trees as they will absorb these nutrients and thus cаn help them weather through the winter months. Using fertilizer can also help the trees get a head start on growth in the spring. Make sure you use the right fertilizers by consulting with your local garden center.
Different Trees
If you live in harsh climates and tree damage is a problem in the winter then you might want to try growing trees that can withstand the harsher weather a bit more. The more you protect the trees you have the easier they will be able to weather the temperature changes.
