People love trees and especially the ones on their land. Trees do have enemies including canker, blight, root rot, bark disease, bugs, and long harsh winters. These problems trees can face are the reason it's important to check your trees often, particularly after a long cold winter. Ice storms can cause irreversible damage, and a late frost can kill buds. Protection for your trees starts with an early inspection to determine the health of your trees. A tree inspection will determine if you have branches that have split or broken during the winter, they will be removed. If any other problem is discovered, your professional arborist will recommend an appropriate treatment to improve the health of the tree.

How to Help Your Trees Survive Winter

According to Gunnison Tree Specialists, winter and the icy cold weather it brings can play havoc with trees and shrubs. Ice and snow buildup on branches can cause severe limb damage or breakage. Even though they are dormant, the cold dry air is hard on trees. Ice storms are particularly harsh as they can cause the trees and limbs to shatter. There are some steps you can take to give your trees a better chance of surviving the harsh winter weather.

Reinforcement

Check over your trees and shrubs. If you spot any limbs that appear to be weak, reinforce them up. You can use cables to support trees and help them from breaking during severe weather and storms.

Prune Trees and Shrubs

According to Sava Tree, wherever you see dead or damaged branches, prune them because they will not be able to withstand the weight of snow and ice. Removing damaged branches will prevent further damage from occurring.

Insulate Trees and Shrubs

A thick layer of mulch around the base of your trees and shrubs will insulate their roots against the extreme cold and dry winter air. The heavy mulch will permit your trees and shrubs to retain water and nutrients during their dormant period.

Make Periodic Checks

It's a good idea to check on your trees and shrubs after heavy shows or freezing rain. Remove snow from reachable tree branches, shrubs, and any reinforcements you have. Ice can be very damaging because of the weight. Trying to remove it can cause the limb to break. Just watch it carefully.

 

To maintain their health, prepare your trees and shrubs for winter storms in the fall. When spring arrives call your professional for a tree inspection to check for damage and disease.