Freezing winters are normal in the metro area, so most people are prepared to bundle up and settle in long before the first snow falls. As a property owner, it is important to maintain proper tree health before the cold weather hits so your trees can avoid stress and seasonal damage. If you are not sure how to go about preparing your tree care for the winter, Five Star Tree Services can help.
Our tree care specialists understand the unique challenges local homeowners face each season. With our help, we can ensure that your trees are prepared to face the winter by properly trimming, pruning, and mulching them according to their specific needs. Aside from our professional services, we have a few tips you can perform to keep your trees healthy this winter.
Drought Cause By Cold Weather
Certain tree species such as evergreens are more susceptible to cold damage than others. Winter droughts are a common problem faced by evergreen trees and even other types of tree species. Frozen ground can make it harder for the roots to absorb moisture which will result in a thirsty tree during the winter season. If you live in a windy area, this can further exacerbate the problem. It is a good idea to generously water the roots ahead of the winter frost to give your trees plenty of moisture to help them thrive all winter long.
Winter Branch Damage
In most places, you can expect snow or even hail to be a part of the winter lineup. These can cause excess weight on your tree branches that may cause them to snap. Tree branches, in general, are more susceptible to breakage in the winter, especially if they have not been pruned prior to the start of the winter season. Having your trees pruned after their leaves fall off but before the cold weather sets in will help prevent most branches from breaking during a cold snap.
Stress From The Cold
Trees are living things and can get stressed out from cold weather in the same way that humans can be stressed from cold temperatures. Trees will show stress in a variety of ways. Mature trees can suffer cold stress when the temperature in the daytime suddenly drops in the evening by a dramatic percentage. You can spot stress in the bark of the tree or even via cracks in the wood that go down to the inner wood. You can help shield your trees from cold stress by tenting or mulching prior to the onset of frost.
Winter Infestations
Little critters will start seeking out warmer spaces as the temperature drops. In addition to cold weather, they will also look for additional food sources. Trees often become victims to infestations during the winter which can lead to more damage during the winter. Make sure to check your yard for pests ahead of the winter season to help keep your trees healthy.
Structural Pruning & Professional Care
It is a good idea to hire professional tree care in Toronto with a company like Five Star Tree Services to prune and shape the younger trees in your yard. This will help ensure there are no crossed branches, disease, or other problems that can worsen over the winter months. For more information on how we can help, give us a call at (416) 990-3355 today.
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