Winter Tree Care: Protecting From the Roots Up

As trees can’t seek warmth like animals or gather around a fire, they’ve developed their own ways of surviving winter. One of the most visible strategies is shedding leaves to conserve water. But trees also take steps at the cellular level to avoid freezing. The most critical part of their winter preparation, though, is the care you provide. Here are three essential tips for protecting your tree’s roots, trunks, and branches this winter.

Step 1: Protecting Roots

💧 Water: Keep watering the soil until it freezes. This ensures the roots have enough hydration to last through the cold months. In rare cases, you may need to water during winter as well.

🛏️ Insulate: When the soil gets too cold (around 15°F), roots can suffer. In areas with little snow, cover the tree bed with mulch for added protection.

⚠️ Watch for Salt: Road salt can dry out tree roots and damage soil structure. If you must use salt, opt for calcium chloride-based alternatives.

Step 2: Trunk Protection

☀️ Prevent Sunscald: Warm days and freezing nights can lead to sunscald, where bark tissue warms up and then freezes. Wrap the trunk with plastic tree guards to prevent this damage.

🦌 Protect from Deer: Deer rubbing their antlers can strip the bark. Use barriers or wraps to prevent this.

Step 3: Caring for Branches and Foliage

✂️ Prune: Winter is prime time for pruning. Removing dead or damaged branches keeps trees healthy and prevents potential breakage during harsh weather.

❄️ Remove Snow: Heavy snow can cause branches to snap. Gently brush snow off with a broom—never shake the branches, as it could cause more damage.

🌨️ Leave Ice Alone: If branches are coated with ice, it’s best to let it melt naturally to avoid further harm. After winter, have an arborist check for any damage.

🔥 Prevent Winter Burn: For evergreens, winter burn happens when roots can’t absorb water, leading to dry, brown needles. Protect them by watering, mulching, and wrapping in burlap.

With a little preparation, your trees can stay strong and healthy all winter long!