Any sudden drops in temperature can cause damage to your trees, and with the weather so unpredictable at this time of year, it’s a good idea to take precautions.
Have a look at our top 10 ways to help your trees and shrubs survive the colder months.
- Use mulch to insulate roots and keep moisture in. Mulching also reduces the effects of soil erosion that can follow heavy rain.
- Plant any vulnerable species in sheltered spots.
- Avoid planting late into the season.
- Similarly, pruning or fertilising too late into Summer should be avoided as these both encourage growth.
- To avoid frost cracks or sun scald, wrap vulnerable trees or plants over Winter. Try this top tip for wrapping effectively –
“The inclination for people is to start at the top, but if you start at the top and start wrapping down, then the overlaps are facing upward, and moisture can get in between the successive layers of the wrap, so start at the bottom, bury the end of the wrap in the soil, and then work your way up the trunk so it has a shingle effect.”
Remember to remove any wrapping when extended periods of mild weather are forecast.
- Select species that are hardy enough to survive where you live.
- Make sure to keep watering your trees and plants; even though we associate this time of year with rain, watch out for Winter drought.
- Remove weak or damaged limbs ready for the unpredictable Winter weather.
- Winter is a good time to prune your deciduous trees; the lack of leaves means the it’s easier to prune in a way that is not only healthy for the tree but also aesthetically pleasing.
- Another reason why you might want to undertake tree work in Winter is that any landscaped shrubs and plants are likely to be dormant, meaning easier access to your trees and less potential damage.
With more and more named storms rolling in, now’s the time to give your trees the once over and make sure they’re properly prepared for the season ahead.
If you need a little guidance or a consultation get in touch with our arboricultural team today!