Trees go dormant in the harsh Irish winter climate. Unlike the animal kingdom, where most species hibernate during the winter, trees do not have a natural way to protect themselves. They are exposed and vulnerable to the elements, such as strong winds and snow. In this article, we will discuss how to care for your trees during winter and protect them until the climate gets warmer.
Ireland sees extreme conditions during the cold months, which can be especially stressful for trees. Young trees are particularly at risk, as they may not have developed thick barks or extensive roots.
The good news? JB Property Maintenance provides round-the-year tree care & yard maintenance. Our specialists can protect your trees during winter, ensuring they are ready to blossom by spring and thrive during summer.
We have listed tree care tips during the winter season to ensure they are ready to grow healthy during spring.
Tips to Care for Your Trees During Winter
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Organic Mulching
Mulching is the process of covering soil with organic or inorganic materials to protect plants and soil. However, we recommend adding a thin layer of organic mulch at the base of your trees during the autumn season. Add 2 inches of organic mulch, like grass clippings, to insulate the trunk, roots, and soils from extreme cold conditions.
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Water Regularly
Watering in summer is common knowledge, but did you know that watering trees during the cold months is also important? Yes, your trees must be watered well before winters arrive. Start hydrating your plants by late autumn to nourish them during winter. Be mindful if you have planted new saplings. Avoid watering them if you expect a sudden temperature drop – doing so may freeze the ground.
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Spray Anti-desiccants
Anti-desiccants are wax coatings that form a protective layer over plants and retain moisture. Winter winds are dry, and leafy trees may wither when compounded with the winter sun. Spraying anti-desiccants will reduce moisture loss and keep your trees green and leafy.
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Prune Regularly
As discussed in our previous blog, winter is the best time to prune trees to prepare them for springtime. Inspect your trees regularly to identify any decaying or diseased branches or trunks. Follow proper pruning techniques or call in a professional tree surgeon to remove dead and decaying parts without damaging the branches. With regular inspection and pruning, your trees will start growing healthy again by the spring season.
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Wrap Your Trees
Wrap your trees at the onset of winter, and do not remove the wrapping until spring arrives. Wrapping trunks with a paper tree wrap will protect your trees from cold winds, the winter sun, and snow. Start wrapping from the bottom and overlap each layer for thorough coverage. Wrap the trunk until the lowest branch. Make sure the coverage is uniform and robust enough to protect your tree until the cold has subsided.
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Compost Fallen Leaves
Composting will not protect your tree directly, but utilising its fallen leaves can help protect the tree and your garden. Collect all the fallen leaves in your garden as winter starts and add them to your compost heap.
Composting nourishes the garden and soil by feeding carbon and nitrogen to microorganisms and creating protein. This way, your tree will be able to protect itself and your garden by its own parts during winter.
Protect your Trees & Plants with JB Property Maintenance
As the earth becomes dormant during the cold season, it is critical to prepare in advance to protect the greenery in your yard. Follow the tips above to care for your trees during winter. Better yet, contact JB Property Maintenance for expert care & maintenance.
We pride ourselves on excellent and quality services that maintain landscapes to perfection.
Contact us for more information on how we can help protect your trees and maintain a lush green garden through the seasons.