Winter care for your trees

by William R. Scott, City Forester
Tuesday, February 12, 2008 2:51 PM MST

Winter in Wyoming brings frigid temperatures, icy winds and snow, and while we can cozy up next to the fire and forget about winter for a while, our trees cannot.

Those trees that many of us mistakenly think to be hibernating are relying on stored reserves and Mother Nature to get them through the winter months.

Trees do have some built-in protection to help them through the winter chill. Most of the growing points in the tree are protected inside buds, and food reserves are carefully conserved.

Water also continues to move through the tree until it freezes, but all this may not be enough if the winter is especially harsh or the tree is already under stress.

So what can you do to help your trees?

During winter droughts, trees require water just the same as any other time of year, especially in Wyoming, where we can’t always rely on the snow sticking around to provide additional water.

So, give your trees a drink, but be sure to do so when the temperature is above freezing when soil and trees are cool, but not frozen. Give them enough water that the soil around the roots is moist but not standing in puddles.

Mulching under your tree in the fall or early winter with wood chips or other organic material will help retain water and reduce the effect of temperature extremes. A thickness of 3-4 inches, but no deeper than six, is recommended.

Do not let the material lay against your tree’s trunk. Giving your tree’s roots a little extra protection through the winter can be a lifesaver, especially for younger trees.

Damage caused by ice and snow accumulation or animals foraging for food are problems through the cold season. You can protect young trees by wrapping the base of trees in a hard plastic guard or other such protective materials.

Wrapping trees with burlap or other insulating materials also can help prevent temperature damage. It is important, however, to remove the wraps in the spring to prevent damage when the tree begins to grow.

Winter is also an excellent time of year for pruning, if done correctly. Before you start, have a purpose in mind, such as removing damaged or dead branches and improving structure.

Good pruning technique will be rewarded, and if you are unsure, consult a certified arborist or a licensed tree care professional.

Additional information also can be found online at www.casperwy.gov, www.treesaregood.org or www.nationaltreetrust.org.

If you take care of your trees through the winter, they will thank you for the rest of the year.

Print this story   |   Email this story