How to Prepare Outdoor Trees and Shrubs for the Winter
When the winter months approach we
never think twice about our trees in the yard. We just naturally
assume that they will weather the harsh elements of winter with ease
but this isn’t really true. The weather, salt, and other factors
can damage our trees and shrubs. Here’s how you can protect them so
they make it through the winter in one piece and suffer minimal
damage.
Why Trees Need Protection
Colder weather presents many problems
for the trees and shrubs in our yards. They can suffer damage from
the cold and winds of the longer, harsher months. Snow and ice can
break tender limbs and leave the trees in bad shape. Any trees that
are susceptible to cold weather should be wrapped. They will stay
warmer this way and they won’t get the snow and ice on them that
damages smaller branches. Salt from de-icing can also be problematic
for your trees and shrubs.
Wrap Trees
Tree wraps can help your younger trees
survive the harsh elements. Mulch around the base of the tree can
also help your trees during the harsher months of the year. Add this
once the ground is frozen. Shredded bark, leaves, and pine needles
are good choices.
Tree wrap can be used on thin barked
trees and burlap can act as a windscreen around the tree to protect
form sun damage and winds. Smaller limbs can be wrapped together so
the ice and snow doesn’t break them. Many trees, such as upright
evergreens, birch and other deciduous trees are prone to breakage
form ice and snow conditions. Remove these wraps in the spring and
allow the trees to grow again. Use repellants around the trees for
rabbits, deer, and moles as they will be looking for food in the
winter months.
Trees by Roads
It’s not a good idea to plant trees
and shrubs near roads that are heavily used in the winter as the salt
from trucks can get onto the trees. If you do have trees near the
road make sure these are wrapped well in the winter to keep the salt
off of them as much as possible. Wash the sidewalks and the trees to
remove the salt. Building a fence if possible is another idea to keep
some of the salt sprays off of the trees. Salt tends to accumulate on
lower branches so clean these as much as possible.
Fertilizer
After the first frost you might want to
apply some fertilizer to the trees as they will absorb these
nutrients and thus cаn help them weather through the winter months.
Using fertilizer can also help the trees get a head start on growth
in the spring. Make sure you use the right fertilizers by consulting
with your local garden center.
Different Trees
If you live in harsh climates and tree
damage is a problem in the winter then you might want to try growing
trees that can withstand the harsher weather a bit more. The more you
protect the trees you have the easier they will be able to weather
the changes in temperature.
Great post cool blog man!
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