Winter Tree Care Tips

It’s easy to presume trees are sleeping through the chilly season. But the truth is, they are more than just hibernating—in fact, they are experiencing the full intensity of the winter weather. Just like with humans, trees can go under stress in wintry conditions, particularly the young ones. Learn how you can assist your trees in weathering the winter cold and thriving in the years to come.  Many tree service companies can help you with these tasks, although they are certainly within the ability of most property owners.

Winter Tree Care Tips

Mulch

Add no more than two inches of natural mulch around the drip line of your tree. Mulch does wonders in insulating tree roots to give the tree a fighting chance against extreme temperature. It also slows the process of water loss from the soil, keeping it moist. Avoid mulching directly toward the trunk and wait until the ground freezes, or rats will use the mulch as their home for the winter.

Water

Keep watering your trees, especially young ones, until the soil freezes. Remove any irrigation bags around the trunk before the freezing temperatures kick in, and water newly-planted trees after a warm spell thaw the soil. When watering your trees, do it slowly and allow the ground to seep through.

Wrap

Sun scald is common among trees, especially ones planted on the west or south sections of buildings. It is a condition brought about by daytime sun thawing a tree trunk followed by night air freezing. The freeze-thaw process can cause bark cells to rupture and leave cracks in the trunk. This is especially common with young trees. You can use a white rabbit guard or tree wrap to prevent sun scald in your trees. Wrap the trunk from the ground up and stop when you reach the first branch.

Protect

Young trees are usually the prey of rabbits and voles as they like to munch on their barks. After gnawing the outer layer, they can expose the inner wood making the tree susceptible to diseases and even death. In some worst-case scenarios, the damage goes through half the trunk, leaving no chances of survival for the tree. By wrapping the trunk with plastic guards, you can help protect the tree from wildlife invasion. Wrap the tree starting from the ground, working your way up. You also have the option to cage trunks using chicken wire. This can protect the trunk from deer. You can remove the wrap once spring breaks.

Melt

Whatever you do, do not use rock salt around trees. Sodium chloride disrupts the roots’ ability to absorb water and other nutrients from the soil. If you need to melt ice, use products with calcium, potassium, or magnesium chloride.

Clear

Snow on tree branches can be heavy and break them eventually. Remove the snow by pushing the limbs in an upward motion. Do it gently and don’t try to break ice from the branch. Use a hose with hot water coming out but be sure not to hurt the plant by burning it.

Prune

Winter is an excellent opportunity to inspect and prune trees. Without the leaves, it is easy to see the tree’s shape and structure and determine broken or damaged branches. Dormant pruning can prevent diseases from spreading and protect other living plants beneath them. Winter is the best time to make decisions about any branch that needs to go.

Contact Stallworth’s Tree Service Huntsville for more information about winter tree care.

Selecting the Best Tree Service Company

Tree removal is not one of the activities you can search online and do-it-yourself. It necessitates skills and profound knowledge about tree physics and biology, as well as the right strategies and techniques. Therefore, it is safe and practical to hire a tree service company to deliver the task.

Choosing the best tree company for the job is as crucial as the task itself, which is why it is vital to do your homework before you sign any contract. Gather as much information as you can get about the company to ensure they are the best fit for the project. Take a look at the following tips to guide you with your search for a qualified and expert tree service.

Research

When it comes to finding an expert tree company, you cannot stop at the first name that appears on the search results. Take the time to gather all the significant details about them and the service you want to avail of. There are probably hundreds of tree companies in your region but make sure to choose one with the best rates and good reviews. Most companies nowadays put up their own website, with all pertinent information you can learn about their service offerings.

Certification

Not all tree service companies employ certified arborists. Before outsourcing the help of a company, make a habit of asking if they work with professional arborists or not. A certified arborist knows the proper way to get rid of and trim landscape trees safely. Having a certification means someone took the time to learn everything about tree care and is committed to progressing with the business. This means they know what they are doing and have your best interest in mind.

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Insurance

As we always mention, tree work can be hazardous. Because of this, it is critical to hire a tree company that is licensed and insured. A reputable company will not think twice to provide you a copy of their insurance and license documentation for your peace of mind. If they refuse to show you proof, then that should be a red flag and may mean they are not the best fit for the task.

Reputation

It is hard to look for a tree company in good standing, but your family, friends, and neighbors can help you with the task. Ask them if they have recently asked any professional tree service to perform tree care in their yard and learn what they can say about their work quality. Take noted of what they say and determine if the company they recommend is worth a shot.

Experience

Expertise in a specific field can be gained through years of experience. Thus, it is essential to consider a company that has been practicing tree service for at least three years already. When looking for a tree company, do not forget to ask the exact years they have been operating in the city. You will be at ease knowing that the team handling your tree concerns has been handling the same job for more than enough years.

Always consider the risks before hiring a tree service. Choose skilled, certified, equipped, and insured experts to carry out the work. Keep in mind that tree work is far more challenging than you realize.

Call the tree service Huntsville, AL property owners trust for quality tree care since 2011.