With a forecast for 5-8 inches of snow in parts of Michigan for the coming week, we thought it worthwhile to provide practical winter tips for your trees.  As Michiganders know all too well, winter (and Michigan winters in particular) brings with it cold temperatures, icy winds and snow.  These elements create substantial stress on your trees.  Therefore, it is imperative to give your trees some extra TLC in the winter – and by doing so, you will be rewarded with healthier trees come spring.

Water your Trees

Although not as intuitive as summer droughts, winter can, nevertheless, be every bit as dry as the summer, despite the cold temperatures.  As such, your trees will require watering – even in the winter.  If temperatures allow, an occasional winter watering for young trees can go a long way in preserving their overall health.  However, be sure to water only when the soil and trees are cool, but not frozen.

Mulch to Preserve Moisture

Put composted, organic material (mulch) under your tree in the fall or early winter to help preserve moisture, increase available nutrients and reduce the effect of extreme temperatures. A thin layer of compost will act like a blanket and will give tree roots a little extra winter protection.

Wrap Trees – Particularly Newly Planted Trees

Sun scald and wind damage can be prevented by wrapping the tree trunk with a commercial tree wrap, plastic tree guards, or any other light-colored material. The wrap will reflect the sun and keep the bark at a more constant temperature.  Put the wrap on in the fall and remove it in the spring after the last frost. Newly planted trees should be wrapped for at least two winters and thin-barked trees for up to five winters or more.

These are but a sampling of the practical tips to keep your trees healthy during the winter.  As they say, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”  If you have any questions about how best to keep your trees healthy during the winter, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

With the hustle-and-bustle of the holidays quickly approaching, our team at Arbor Tree Services wanted to share winter preparation best practices that will result in the continued health of your trees, shrubs and bushes during the cold, blustery winter.

Generally speaking, most trees, shrubs and bushes on residential and commercial property require regular maintenance in order to minimize any potential winter weather damage.  Storms, gusting winds and temperature fluctuations during a typical Michigan winter can all wreak havoc on our most treasured assets – our outdoor landscaping. 

Although we cannot change the weather, there are, indeed, simple things that we can do to minimize the impact of the winter weather.  Some best practices include:

• Although it is not strictly a winter preparation tip, it is always a good idea to maintain good tree upkeep throughout the year.  Strong healthy trees will always have an easier time with the winter elements than weak and damaged ones.
• Remember to prune only after your trees have entered dormancy — after the risk of new growth.
• Apply a good fall fertilizer that promotes root growth over leaf growth.
• Shield new plants from the winter elements with mounds of compost, or wrap them in leaf-filled burlap.
• Wrap rose bushes securely with burlap and fill with straw.
• Create pole and burlap shelters for delicate shrubbery.
• Spread a 2- or 3-inch layer of mulch around tree bases, not touching the trunk.
• Consider spraying plants that are sensitive to water damage with a desiccant.
• Leave evergreen shrubs and trees just as they are.

Each of these strategies will help protect your trees, shrubs and bushes from the impending winter weather.  Although you can't change the weather, you can minimize its effects.

It’s no secret that the impending winter weather can be very hard on plants and trees – particularly if you live in a cold-weather zone like southeast Michigan.  Cities like Rochester Hills, Birmingham and Bloomfield, for example, know all to well the devastating effects that a long, cold winter can potentially have on their landscape. 

Because your plants and trees likely represent substantial investments in your landscaping budget, it is crucial to take the necessary steps to protect these investments from the winter elements. 

Not surprisingly, it all begins with watering in the fall.  Such a simple strategy will go a long way in protecting your trees and shrubs from the scorching winter sun and wind. 

Although it may be tempting to “forget about” your trees and shrubs when the gardening season winds down, it is nevertheless critical to keep your trees, shrubs and woody plants thoroughly watered – to the tune of approximately one inch of water per week.  This is especially true of newly planted trees and shrubs and all evergreens.

Because evergreens do not lose their leaves during the winter months – and because they continue to transpire through the cold months — they need an adequate storage of moisture.  Without this moisture, “dehydration” can result in browning or burning of foliage.

So that your trees and shrubs remain the picture of health in the spring, it is imperative that you take the necessary steps in the fall to prepare for the winter months – and it all starts with watering!!  For additional information, please consult a certified arborist.  At Arbor Tree, we are certified and would be happy to answer any questions you may have.