Tree Tips:

Winter Tips
for your trees:

The extreme heat and drought of the summer has caused stress for trees and shrunbs. Make sure the ground is well sturated this fall before the ground freezes for the winter. Most trees may look dormant in the winter months, however the roots of these trees are still active. In the winter months, if there is no rain or snow, drought conditions can occur. During these winter droughts, the fine roots of trees in the soil can dry out and be damaged just like in the hot summer months. Make sure there is moisture in the soil through the winter to help reduce the stress on the trees. Look at your trees after heavy snow. The added weight of the snow sticking to the tree can cause branches to break. Be aware of the possible hazards created in the trees after heavy snow.

Pruning trees from mid November to mid March has many benefits over pruning in the summer months:

• Tree pathogens are dormant during this time
• Tree branch structure is easier to see without leaves
• Protection of perennial plantings
• The cuts from pruning develop callus tissue during the following spring and summer and heal more rapidly
• Proper pruning increases health and vigor reducing damage from spring storms