When winter nears its end, it’s really tempting to just sit back and let spring do its magic to your landscape. But Milford winters are harsh, and your trees will struggle to bounce back unless you give them some late-winter tree preparations.
Start prepping trees for productive growth before the last thaw hits and spring is sure to reward you with stronger and healthier trees.
If you’re looking for boxes to tick, this checklist is your guide to giving your tree that last-minute boost for spring growth.
Clean Up Your Tree
Before the snows of winter transform into a sunny spring, start cleaning up the area around your tree by removing weeds and fallen dead branches that can hinder its growth.
If snow has accumulated on your mature tree’s branches, use a long broom to gently move them upward so the snow will fall off. Just avoid this during extreme freezes, or you’ll risk breaking brittle branches.
You also want to take off hanging decorations from the holiday season. Heavy ornaments can cause structural issues, especially if left for long periods of time.
If your young trees are protected with burlap to survive the cold winter, you’d want to get it off when the warm season comes to give it sunlight and air circulation.
Without the wrap, though, animals might get to your tree. You can prevent this by putting up a barrier placed a few feet from the tree trunk.
Inspect Trees for Winter Damage
Winter can leave its mark on your trees in more ways than one.
The fluctuating temperatures can cause bark-breaking sunscald. The heavy snow and winter storms can weaken tree branches and compromise structural integrity. Wildlife can also gnaw at your trees in their search for food.
A professional arborist can identify signs of disease, pest issues, and winter storm damage, and offer solutions before they snowball into bigger problems in the spring.
Late-Winter Pruning
It’s generally best to schedule your tree pruning during late winter or early spring.
In late winter, trees are still dormant which reduces the stress from the removal of branches.
The visibility of the bare trees also allows for more accurate cutting of the dead, damaged, and diseased branches.
Professional arborists can improve the branch structure to remove competition among branches, enhance air flow, and improve sunlight penetration for unobstructed growth in spring.
Moisturize the Soil
Don’t forget the soil moisture and root health. Ensure that your trees are still receiving enough water as the season shifts, especially since the climate tends to change without warning.
Monitor the moisture of the soil and water your tree accordingly. Wait for the ground to thaw and do the deep watering during midday to give your trees ample time for absorption before the ground freezes.
Replenish Your Mulch
Maintaining healthy mulching habits is also key to keeping soil temperature warm and moist from late winter through early spring.
Organic mulch comprised of wood chips and leaves can enrich the soil as they rot. On top of that, it can also add some protection against road salt damage.
For proper mulching, apply a 2 to 4-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree without it touching the trunk to avoid root rot. Spread it as far as the tree’s drip line.
Prepare for Tree Planting
Early spring is one of the best times to plant new trees on your property. If you’re planning to do exactly just that when spring comes, you can start preparing a site for your tree.
Where should you plant it? Are there nearby shrubs and plants that can affect its growth? Does the soil quality need some improvements?
Research thoroughly or consult with local tree experts to ensure that you’ve got the right tree in the right place, ready to reap the benefits of the growing season.
Plant Health Care (PHC) Program
Winter’s freezing temperatures are not the only challenges your trees will face. All year round, there are extreme weather conditions, high winds, tree diseases, pests, and other dangers to watch out for.
A Plant Health Care (PHC) program is the proactive approach to protecting your tree from these threats. This comprehensive plan curated by expert arborists is based on current tree assessments, the surrounding factors, and your own vision for your landscape.
The goal is to provide solutions for your tree’s long-term health, giving it the strength and resistance even before the challenges come.
Why Prepare As Early As Late Winter
Fulfilling these maintenance tasks for your trees in late winter comes with advantages that give them a great headstart for the next growth cycle:
- Trees are still dormant, which reduces stress during pruning
- The upcoming spring speeds up the healing of your pruned trees
- Disease-carrying pests are inactive, reducing health risks
- The lack of foliage offers better visibility for inspections and tree trimming
- Milford’s winter can cause damage that should be spotted and addressed before spring arrives
- It gives you time to prepare and accommodate your trees’ needs when new growth comes
Prep for Spring with Milford’s Tree Experts
Make every moment count, before the cold winter season finally gives way to spring growth.
From expert inspections to creating a comprehensive PHC plan, you can rely on Milford’s local tree experts.
At Ascension Tree Care, our ISA-certified arborists are equipped with the extensive knowledge, experience, and state-of-the-art equipment to set up your tree for success come spring and beyond.
