Winter Tree Care

---

​Winter tree care is an essential part of protecting your trees. If you live in areas with heavy snowfall, ice storms, or high winds, this information will be particularly useful to you. But even if you don't have extreme weather conditions, it is still a good idea to inspect your trees for damage and disease after each major storm.

​Winter tree care can be a bit of a mystery. Maybe it's the cold weather, but too many people wait until spring to prune their trees. Bad idea!

Here Are Some Tips for Winter Tree Care That Will Keep Your Trees Safe and Healthy Through the Following Season​

1. Trim branches in late summer or early fall. Skip this step, and you could find yourself climbing over the tree to remove broken branches come spring.

 
2. Remove deadwood. Weak or damaged branches should be removed in late summer or early fall before they are more likely to break during winter weather.
 
3. Monitor for insect infestation, especially if your trees are stressed by drought. If necessary, call a certified arborist to have the insects treated before they become a bigger problem.
 
4. Remove ice on limbs following winter storms. Using a pole saw or pruning shears, remove any branches that are touching buildings or other trees. Be sure to keep your own house intact.

5. Re-apply mulch around the base of young trees, protecting them from damage caused by heavy snowfall.
 
6. Protect trees that have shallow root systems or are still relatively young. Although mature trees generally don't need protection, it's a good idea not to remove protective materials until springtime.
 
7. Watch for tree poisoning following winter storms. Some tree species are more prone to damage from ice-breaking winds than others. If broken branches are left in the yard, those limbs can collect ice and become a hazard. Be aware, and take action as necessary by removing these hazards or calling a certified arborist for assistance.
 
8. Protect roots and trunks from soil compaction. If you live in an area where heavy machinery moves through during the winter months, it's important to take precautions. In late fall, mulch at least a foot from the tree's trunk with organic material to prevent soil compaction come springtime when you are tilling your garden.
 
9. Trench-digging near trees is a bad idea. If you're putting in a new fence or landscaping, wait until after winter to do the digging. Digging in the fall and winter months can kill young trees by exposing them to cold, drying winds and causing irreparable damage to their root systems. How to take care of an old winter tree

10. Trees that have already passed the first stage of development -- such as those often seen in parks and along boulevards - typically don't need much winter care. But there is a right way and a wrong way to do it.

Winter Tree Care for Healthy Trees

​Winter tree care is particularly important if you live in a harsh winter climate.  With these tips, you can ensure that your trees will live long, healthy lives.

​Getting Started With St. Pete Tree Service

​St. Pete Tree Service is the best tree service this time of year because winter is coming. We offer free estimates and can replace trees that you lost over the winter. Please don't wait until spring to call—we are available 24/7 for emergencies! Call us today at 636-278-9711 or Contact Us.  We look forward to serving you.