Fall and Winter Tree Care Tips
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How to Help Your Yard Trees Thrive Through Fall and Winter
As the weather shifts and the days get shorter, your trees start dealing with a whole new set of challenges. Cold winds, hungry wildlife, and frozen soil can all take a toll — especially on young or newly planted trees. The good news is that a few simple habits this time of year can make a big difference once spring rolls around.
Fall: Give Your Trees a Strong Start Before Winter
Fall is a great time to help your trees settle in and build resilience.
Keep the Water Coming
Even though it feels colder, trees still need regular moisture until the ground freezes. Newly planted or young trees, in particular, benefit from a good soak — roughly 15 to 20 gallons a week if rainfall is light.
If you want a simple, time-saving way to do this, one fill of a Treegator® Original Slow-Release Watering Bag delivers a high volume of water directly to the root zone, and it does it efficiently and evenly over several hours. It’s a great way to maintain consistent soil moisture with just a few minutes of effort.
Mulch Like It Matters (Because It Does)
Mulch acts like an insulating layer for the roots. Think of it as giving your tree a warm blanket before winter hits. A three-inch layer around the base, kept a few inches away from the trunk, helps stabilize soil temperature and reduces stress during especially cold days without snow cover.
Winter: Don’t Forget Your Trees While They’re Resting
Even in dormancy, trees appreciate a little protection.
Keep Wildlife at Bay
Small animals tend to seek shelter and food wherever they can find it — including around your tree’s base. Clearing away tall grass or brush removes their hiding spots. For extra protection, a simple wire fence that’s set partially into the ground and rises above the expected snow depth can help prevent chewing and bark damage. Just remember to check occasionally to make sure nothing gets trapped.
Give Young Trees a Little Armor
Sudden swings between daytime sun and nighttime freezing can cause bark to crack. Tree wraps or guards can prevent that kind of damage during the coldest months. You can take them off in late spring once temperatures stabilize.
If Deer Are Regular Visitors…
In areas with heavy deer traffic, even bigger precautions can help. Tall woven-wire fencing around larger spaces is one option. For white pine seedlings, a quick and simple trick called bud capping — folding a small piece of paper over the top bud — can stop deer from nibbling the newest growth.
Why Winter Is a Surprisingly Good Time for Tree Work
If you’ve been thinking about pruning or removing a tree, winter is often the ideal season to call a professional arborist. Frozen ground helps protect your lawn from heavy equipment, and cold temperatures naturally slow the spread of diseases and insects. Oaks in particular benefit from winter pruning, since it greatly reduces the risk of oak wilt.
Healthy Trees Start With Simple Seasonal Care
A little attention in fall and winter can set your trees up for success long before the first buds appear. Watering, mulching, protecting against wildlife, and knowing when to bring in a pro all contribute to healthier, stronger trees once spring returns!