The coldest season of the year may be harsh for a tree, which is left exposed throughout the storm. Wind, cooler temperatures, snow, and ice can all harm or destroy foliage, bark, branches, and roots. Especially young or freshly planted trees are more vulnerable to the season since they lack developed, vast root systems and mature, thick bark.
So, aside from snow removal, by taking a few simple steps in the autumn, you may ascertain that your trees are ready for whatever Mother Nature has in store for them during winter. Follow a simple checklist to care for your new tree's roots, trunk, and branches throughout its first winter.
Roots
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Water:
Young trees, particularly evergreens, require enough soil moisture throughout their first 2-3 winters. Consider irrigating during winter thaws in areas where the ground freezes, when water may permeate the soil. Seek the best tree service in Sacramento from experienced arborists for an annual inspection of the trees.
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Mulch:
Place a 2-3-inch-thick layer of organic mulch outside the tree's dripline in late fall to early winter. It's especially critical for freshly planted evergreens, both coniferous and broadleaf. Avoid putting mulch up against the trunk. Mulching does two things — it insulates soil and tree roots from temperature extremes and decreases water loss from the soil. Wait until the earth has frozen before applying mulch in cold climates where the ground freezes.
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Stake:
Consider staking if your tree is in a windy location or is top-heavy. Intending to promote robust trunk growth, choose a strategy that allows the trunk to swing and move freely. Use wide lengths of sturdy, weather-resistant material, such as canvas or rubber, to secure the tree to the posts.
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No salt:
Avoid applying rock salt-based ice melt near young trees in areas where winter brings ice. Salt clogs the delicate roots of trees, making it difficult for them to receive the things they require: water, nutrients, and oxygen.
Trunk
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Irrigation bags:
Remove irrigation bags from tree trunks before the winter arrives. If you leave the bags in place, you risk providing mice with warm winter quarters, causing ice buildup around the trunk.
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Pest infestation:
Young tree trunks are favored by nibbling rodents such as rabbits and voles until they grow strong, ridged bark. They consume both the bark and the green, developing tissue beneath it. You may lose the tree if the damage extends more than halfway around the trunk, necessitating calling tree removal Sacramento experts.
You may protect your tree from pests by spraying repellents. Moreover, barricading tree trunks with plastic tree guards or quarter-inch wire cages is a more lasting option.
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Sunscald:
Daylight may thaw tree bark on the south and southwest sides. If nighttime temperatures fall below freezing, thawed cells may rapidly freeze, rupturing and cracking the trunk and cutting off water to the tree top. This whole process is known as sunscald. Wrap trunks with crepe paper tree wrap or paint trunks with diluted white latex paint to prevent sunscalding.
Branches and foliage
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Winter-burn:
Winter burn is caused by the inability of new roots to absorb adequate water to prevent excessive water loss from winter winds in newly planted evergreens. Spray an anti-desiccant or create a windbreak around plants to prevent water loss. Insert stakes into the ground and cover it with burlap.
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Broken branches:
Heavy snow and ice can accumulate on young branches, causing them to snap. As needed, prune damaged branches. When snow builds, use a broom to sweep it away gently. Protect upright evergreens like Cedar or Juniper in snowy locations with special mesh coverings available at garden shops.
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