Winter is coming, and that means it’s time to start thinking about how to protect your trees from the cold weather. If you live in an area where the temperature regularly drops below freezing, then you need to take action to keep your trees healthy. That’s why our certified arborists would like to discuss some McMinnville tree care tips for protecting your trees from freeze damage.
What are the Trees Most Susceptible to Frost Damage?
Before you can take steps to protect your trees from freeze damage, it is important to understand which types of trees are most vulnerable. Trees with shallow roots and those with thin bark are the most likely to suffer damage when the temperature drops below freezing. Trees such as maples, cherry, birch, and apple trees are especially at risk for frost damage.
Protect Your Trees and Plants with Mulch
Mulching your trees is a great way to keep the temperature of the soil around them warm and protect them from frost damage. Spread a thick layer of mulch around the tree’s base, but make sure not to bury it or pile it up against the trunk. The mulch should be at least two inches deep and should completely cover the roots and any exposed ground near them. This will help insulate the soil and prevent freeze damage during cold temperatures.
Water Your Trees in Advance
If you know that freezing temperatures are coming, you should give your trees an extra drink before they arrive. Make sure that there is plenty of moisture in the soil around your trees to provide insulation from cold temperatures. This will help keep the ground temperature slightly higher and protect your trees from freeze damage.
Wrap Trees with Burlap
Wrapping trees in burlap during times of freezing temperatures can be a good way to provide extra protection against frost damage. Make sure that the burlap completely covers the trunk and branches of the tree, but don’t wrap it too tightly, as this can actually do more harm than good.
You should also remove any debris or dead leaves from around the base of the tree so that the burlap has maximum contact with the bark of the tree. This will help keep it warm and protected from harsh weather conditions.
How to Help Your Tree Recover After Freeze Damage
Once the cold temperatures have passed and your trees have been protected, you should help them recover. Prune any dead or damaged branches to help promote regrowth and healthy development. You should also fertilize the soil around the tree to give it extra nutrients and help it bounce back from freeze damage. Finally, make sure that you are watering your trees regularly to ensure they stay hydrated during dry spells.
What is the Best Temperature for New Trees?
If you are planting new trees this winter, then it is best to wait until the temperature has risen above freezing before doing so. Planting a tree when the weather is still cold can make it more susceptible to freeze damage and stunt its growth.
It is also important to prepare the soil ahead of time by adding compost or fertilizer and making sure that there is plenty of moisture for your new tree. This will help ensure that your tree gets off to a good start and isn’t damaged by cold temperatures.
McMinnville Tree Care
To give your trees the best chance of survival this winter, you should consider receiving professional tree maintenance from West Coast Tree Care. Our certified arborists can help inspect your trees for signs of damage, apply mulch and fertilize the soil.
We can also provide McMinnville tree care tips to help protect against freeze damage and assist with planting new trees. Contact us today by filling out our online form or give us a call at 1.800.767.8733 for more information or a no-cost, no-obligation quote.
