Winter Tree Care in New England: What You Need to Know
Winter in New England is tough on everyone–including your trees. Whether it’s deciduous trees shedding their leaves or evergreens slowing their growth, the cold months bring unique challenges for tree health. But with the right care and attention, you can ensure that your trees survive and thrive throughout the season. Let’s talk about some common winter tree concerns and how to effectively address them.
Winter Hazards: Snow & Ice
Heavy snow and ice may turn your yard into a beautiful winter wonderland but can be dangerous for your trees. Accumulated weight on branches may cause them to snap, leading to damage, especially if the tree is near your home or driveway.
If you notice broken or dangling branches, it’s important to remove them safely. In severe cases, tree removal could be necessary to prevent accidents. A professional tree care service can assess the damage and potential hazards and make the best recommendations to keep your property safe.
Cold Weather Pruning
You may not think of winter as an ideal time for pruning trees, but cold weather pruning has several advantages.
- Dormancy Reduces Stress: Trees aren’t actively growing during the winter, making it the least disruptive time for pruning.
- No Heat or Pests: Without the summer heat and destructive insects, your trees can heal quickly from pruning cuts, minus any additional stressors.
- Better Visibility: After the leaves fall, it’s easier to see your tree’s structure and identify which branches should be pruned.
Pruning helps by removing dead, dying, or diseased branches, which not only improves overall tree health but also reduces the risk of falling limbs during storms. Keep in mind, though, that pruning is a skill and without experience it’s easy to do more harm than good. A trained tree professional can make sure the job is done right.
Battling Winter Pests
Most insects don’t stick around when temperatures drop, but winter moths–an invasive species in New England–are a cold-weather pest that can cause serious damage to your trees. These moths emerge in November and December to mate, but the real trouble occurs when their caterpillars begin feasting on tree foliage come spring.
A great non-chemical solution is tree banding. A sticky band is wrapped around the tree’s trunk in the fall to stop female moths from climbing up to lay eggs. Dormant horticultural oil treatments are another environmentally friendly option. If winter moths are a concern on your property, it’s a good idea to have a prevention strategy in place before November.
DIY or Hire a Pro?
While some tree care tasks like mulching and watering are DIY-friendly, others like pruning, pest control, and storm damage cleanup are best left to professionals. Here’s why:
- Safety First: Tree pruning and removal involves working with heavy tools at height, which can be risky for anyone without training. Experts have the experience and equipment to get the job done safely.
- Knowledge Matters: Pruning isn’t just about cutting branches. When done correctly, it can improve your tree’s health and increase longevity. When done poorly, it can cause long-term damage.
- Time Savings: A team of tree professionals can get the work done quickly and efficiently, saving you the hassle of adding another task to your busy schedule.
Winter is the perfect time to show your trees a little extra love. From monitoring for snow and ice damage to scheduling dormant pruning, proactive care can make a big difference in the health and appearance of your trees come spring. And when it comes to tackling more complicated tasks, don’t hesitate to call in the experts. With proper care, your trees can weather the winter season and come back stronger than ever.
