Winter is here again! And it’s a great time to give your trees some love and attention to ensure they stay happy and healthy throughout the cold season and leading into the warmer months. Here are our top winter tree care tips for beautiful, thriving trees.
1. Prune
Winter is a great time to have your trees pruned. Weak limbs and branches can be further damaged in the harsh conditions of winter and become hazards – so have any dead, sick or damaged branches removed now. This will make the tree less susceptible to infestation from pests, stop disease from spreading, improve your tree’s structure and promote growth.
Please note however, that only by employing correct pruning techniques will the tree benefit. If you don’t know what you’re doing and why you are removing particular branches, or you are using the wrong tools, you could actually end up adversely affecting the health of the tree and its structural integrity. Don’t take the risk. Hire a professional Arborist to do an expert job and ensure the health of your tree.
2. Mulch
Mulch is basically like a multi vitamin for your trees and is fantastic for promoting health and vitality. Using mulch is great to use in the garden year-round, and winter is certainly no exception! It’s especially great to use at this time of year because it helps to regulate the temperature of the soil and to retain moisture. It also actively deters pests by adding a protective layer to the soil. An added bonus is that it’s cheap and easy to apply, but make sure you follow the following guidelines to get the best results.
A mistake that a lot of inexperienced gardeners make is to pile the mulch up high immediately around the tree trunk which can actually suffocate the tree and cause disease. Spread the mulch out approximately 20 centimetres from the base of the trunk in a 10 – 15 centimetre layer. Organic mulch is preferable if you can get it.
3. Water
Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you don’t need to give your trees water. Winter is typically the dry season here in South East Queensland, so it’s critical that you keep watering throughout winter. If your tree doesn’t get enough water for a long period of time it can damage the tree’s root system, making your tree weak, sick and potentially unsafe.
4. Protect
Depending on the type of trees you have, some species may need a little extra TLC over the winter months. Trees that are especially susceptible to the cold or to harsh winds may need to be protected by wrapping a tarp or other covering around the trunk right down to the ground, to trap warmth from the soil and provide cover from strong winds. If you’re not sure if you have trees that require this level of care, ask your local Arborist for some advice.
5. Assess
If you’re at all concerned, unsure or just plain curious about your trees and their care, have your local Arborist do a full assessment. They will be able to tell you if any of your trees are sick or potentially unsafe, advise you on what care your trees may need and offer any advice for their ongoing maintenance.
The best way to ensure your trees are cared for throughout winter is to hire a professional Arborist, who can safely and effectively assess, care for and maintain your trees.
Aussie Tree Solutions are your local team of fully qualified, experienced Arborists you can trust. We will expertly take care of all of your winter tree care needs from tree pruning and tree removals to mulch and consulting services.
Call us now for an obligation free quote on (07) 3351 1722 or to ask about our professional tree services.