Planted Trees This Spring? How To Protect Them This Winter

Posted on: 8 September 2022

If you just planted some trees this spring, they are still young and need help getting through the cold, winter months Fortunately, there are many things you can do to provide this protection so your trees will grow once spring arrives.

Water the Trees

Established trees have a strong root system that grows deep enough to reach water that is found in the soil. This sustains these trees during the winter when the ground freezes. Your new trees do not have a strong root system so the roots cannot get enough water in the winter.

You need to water your trees before winter arrives and the ground freezes. This will depend on where you live. Make sure you water them enough, so the water reaches the roots. If you live in an area with mild winters, you can water the trees a few times until spring. 

Prune the Trees

If the trees have grown large enough, you should hire a tree maintenance service to prune them for you before winter. Pruning during the dormant season is the best time to do this as the trees are not actively growing. Even if your trees are small do not prune them on your own. If not done correctly you could damage them.

Pruning removes dying, damaged, or dead branches. This is important for a healthy tree in the spring as these branches will steal water and nutrients from the tree. If these branches have any type of disease this also helps prevent the disease from spreading to other parts of the tree or even trees nearby. 

Use Mulch

Put three to four inches of mulch around the base of the tree. Spread the mulch so that it is a few feet away from the trunk. This insulates the tree to protect it from the cold, freezing temperatures. Because your trees are young their root system is closer to the surface, which means cold can get to the roots much easier. If you have mulch, however, the cold will not penetrate the soil and get to the roots.  

Wood chips, softwood and hardwood bark, pine needles, and leaves make good mulch. This mulch breaks down on its own and provides nutrients back to the soil. A tree maintenance service company can help you choose the best type of mulch for the trees that you have. 

The tree maintenance service company can give you many more tips on keeping your trees protected this winter. 

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