While evergreen trees grow year-round, like pine, spruce, and cypress, others go dormant during the cooler months. The latter drop leaves during the fall and demand less watering and fertilizer until the spring thaw. Whatever type you have, and even though it doesn’t fall below 45-degree January lows in Santa Rosa Beach, you should still prepare trees for winter.
Our ISA-certified arborists with decades of combined experience have offered tree advice and services to our neighbors since 1998. As top tree service contractors in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, we can help you learn about proper winter preparation methods.
Cleaning the Area Around Your Tree
As you probably know, dead and drying branches and leaves create a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and pests. That’s because the decaying organic matter provides microbes with all the nutrients they need. The longer the debris stays on the ground, the better chance that these infestations will spread to nearby living foliage, so picking up all branches and limbs and raking leaves is vital.
Caring for the Grounds
When you prepare trees for winter, you should also tend to the ground. For instance, weeding ensures the roots of unwanted plants don’t rival your tree for water and soil nutrients. You can also make the soil healthier by aerating it with a garden fork or aerator for more oxygen before adding fresh soil.
You may think you’re done there, but mulching techniques enhance tree care via soil preparation and wind protection. Mulching the drip line retains moisture for tree hydration while keeping the soil from eroding from high winter winds. Mulching up to 3 inches high is also one of many good insulation methods that keep soil temperatures warmer for root protection.
Pruning the Crown
Another winter tree protection tip includes pruning for winter to not only make the crown look more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing but also to remove weakened areas. If you have drooping, dying, or discolored tree areas, chop off no more than 1/3 of the overall foliage. That’ll keep branches from falling onto your home, car, or passersby when strong winter winds or lashing rains strike.
Other Ways To Care for Your Trees During the Colder Months
Other ways residents like you prepare trees for winter in Santa Rosa Beach include:
- Watering the tree regularly, especially if it’s not receiving a lot of precipitation
- Adding a slow-release fertilizer so the tree can be strong enough to defend itself against pests, disease, and bacteria
- Bracing weak or young trees with steel cables to keep them from falling
- Wrapping saplings or large tree trunks with burlap to save them from cold temperatures, ice, and sunscald
Exceptional Care at Affordable Rates!
At Backridge Tree Service, our certified team has over 25 years of experience planting and sustaining trees and other greenery in all seasons and types of weather. We know how to prepare trees for winter, no matter the species, size, or age. Contact us at (850) 240-2829 for information and a free estimate today!