As winter approaches and temperatures start to drop, it is important for homeowners to be mindful of their trees. Most homeowners in the Wilmette area know that winter can take a toll on their trees and landscape — and sometimes, even the healthiest trees don’t always make it through unscathed. There are ways, however, to help your trees live long and fruitful lives in this harsh climate. Are you wondering what these include? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This licensed arborist in Wilmette, Illinois is going to provide six tips below that will help you prepare your trees for winter.
1. Inspect your trees
This time of year, it is important for homeowners with trees on their property to inspect them for signs of damage. If you have sickly-looking branches, they may need extra attention during these colder months. You can have them pruned back now by a licensed arborist in Wilmette, Illinois so they have time to heal before springtime arrives to guarantee their leaves come back out again next year.
2. Remove any dead branches
Dead or dying branches should be removed from the tree as soon as possible, as this is a sign that disease may have taken hold. When pruning dead branches, be careful not to damage any healthy tissue in the process. This can cause an infection to spread and do more damage than if you had just left it alone.
3. Mulch around the base of your trees
Mulching around your tree when temperatures start to drop is a great way to protect it from extreme cold. Mulch also helps with moisture retention, which will help your tree stay hydrated when we get those dry spells in winter. Plus, mulch will provide a buffer if there are heavy winds or snowfall that could potentially damage your tree. You will need about three to five inches of mulch around the base of your tree. Also, be sure not to pile it up against the trunk of your tree.
4. Wrap trunks with tree guards
Before winter rolls around, your licensed arborist in Wilmette, Illinois may recommend wrapping your tree’s trunk with a tree guard. This will help protect against various winter threats, including ice, snow, and fungal diseases that thrive in cold weather. Tree guards are typically made of metal or plastic wrapped around the trunk and secured with pins or screws. You can find them at any home improvement store. Make sure you measure your tree correctly before purchasing a tree guard; otherwise, it could be too short or too long for your specific needs.
5. Water your trees
Watering your trees may seem like a no-brainer, but it is often overlooked during the winter months when trees are most susceptible. Even if it does not snow, wind can dry out your leaves, so it is crucial to keep them moist.
6. Call a professional arborist
If you are concerned about your trees this winter, do not hesitate to contact a licensed arborist in Wilmette, Illinois. A professional will be able to assess your trees, perform preventative treatments and advise you on how to help them in the future.
Final Thoughts
As Midwest winters tend to be much harsher than most other places, it is understandable that you may be worried about the health of the trees in your yard. While not all trees are as resilient as others, and some may be killed by winter, most will survive if you take proper care of them throughout the year. Follow the tips above to help your trees survive the harsh winter.
Looking for a Licensed Arborist in Wilmette, Illinois?
Do you need to have any work done on your trees before winter officially arrives? If so, and if you’re looking for a licensed arborist in Wilmette, Illinois, look no further than the professionals at Brown Tree Service Inc. Our licensed arborists (Kenneth Brown and Martin LaBahn) have the expert knowledge you can count on for all your tree care needs. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
