While most people pay a lot of attention to trees and landscaping in the spring and summer months, you should not ignore tree care when the cold winter months arrive. Despite increased precipitation in the form of snow, trees still need plenty of water to live and thrive through the cold months.
1. Snow Removal and Dry Ground
When snow slowly melts, the runoff water can provide extra moisture for trees, but not every home may have the right situation so trees can properly take in the moisture. If you have trees surrounded by garden rocks, mulch, or other decorative objects, then some of the snow moisture may not reach the tree.
If you have trees located near driveways or walkways, then the snow removal process could eliminate some of the moisture created when the snow melts. Extreme temperatures could freeze and dry out the ground, making it hard for any moisture to penetrate the dirt. If snow does melt, it may puddle up instead of absorbing into the ground.
Extra watering near the roots of the tree can help provide the water needed for the tree to survive. A tree expert can complete an analysis of a tree’s health to determine if more water is needed and the best approach to complete the task.
2. Turf Mite Prevention
Near the end of winter season is when turf mites could begin feeding on your property. The mites can change the health of your lawn which will eventually impact the health of your tree if the soil becomes dried out. When you water your lawn and tree areas in the winter, you will prevent the spread of turf mites, especially as spring weather approaches.
Near the end of winter season, tree and landscape companies can also provide a mite treatment to your lawn to help kill off any active mites you have on the property. The prevention process will make it easier to transition your landscaping into the warmer months and prevent turf replacement or major maintenance if mite growth becomes out of control.
3. Strong Branches and Tree Growth
If a tree does not get enough water in the winter, it can go through a process known as drought stress. Drought stress will create weakened and brittle branches, which makes for a poor combination during winter weather. If your trees do not have enough water and weaken, then heavy snow could cause branches to snap off and break.
Not only do fallen branches present dangers for your home, but they can dramatically impact the health of a tree. If too many branches fall off, a tree could struggle to survive or grow replacement branches in the future. When possible, a little extra watering in the dry winter months will help your trees thrive and withstand the snow.
Some branches are naturally prone to breaking and should be pruned. A tree service can perform a full inspection of the tree and trim off excess branches. The rest will remain healthy with proper watering through the winter months.
4. Imported Trees and Climate Conditions
Not all of the trees on your property are naturally made to grow in harsh winter conditions. Many homes feature imported trees that come from warmer climates. Dry winter weather can severely impact a tree like this, so you should water them regularly. If you do not know the tree species on your property, a simple assessment can determine which ones need the most care.
Tree experts can break down the tree species and why extra watering will help the tree grow through the winter months. With the extra focus on specific trees, you do not to worry about specific trees dying off once the spring months arrive. A tree expert will give you the best tips for watering the trees and finding the root areas where water is needed.
5. Tree Root Fertilization and Nutrients
Before the ground becomes fully frozen, you may provide your trees with tree root fertilization. The process injects the base of your tree with extra nutrients to grow and thrive. The best way a tree can distribute the nutrients is with proper watering. During the winter months, regular watering of the tree will ensure the plant gets the most out of the fertilization.
If you do not properly water your trees, then the fertilization process may not fully work and need to be done again in the spring. When a tree sits dormant, it still shouldn’t be ignored as the living plant needs care all year long.
For more information on winter tree care, contact us at Schulhoff Tree & Lawn Care, Inc. We can answer all of your questions about watering trees and provide you with some of the best methods to keep your trees healthy. Once spring arrives, the dormant trees will grow, flower, and continue to be a key part of your landscaping.