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Winter Tree Maintenance: The Secrets of Seasonal Care
With winter on the horizon and temperatures fluctuating from late fall to early winter, many Minnesotans are starting to prepare for their winter hibernation. Spending much more time indoors and less enjoying the beauty of the winter wonderland, leaving many to forget about the importance of winter tree maintenance. It’s very common for people to believe that tree work cannot be done during the winter months or tree services simply don’t operate during the winter due to the cold. The good news is that this common misconception is completely false, and wintertime is a prime time for pruning and tree removals. In fact, there are a few species of trees that should only be touched during the winter months unless it is absolutely necessary.
Winter Tree Work | Quick Overview Briefing
- No leaves, no problem – meaning with minimal foliage and bare trees, we can assess from the ground. We will be able to see visually any broken limbs, splits, deadwood, etc. without having to get up in the trees. A true win, and a much safer approach to tree work in the winter.
- Dormant season – trees, insects, and diseases all for the most part go dormant, meaning the spread of infestations and diseases are greatly reduced. Trees are also dormant during this time and for many species, it’s the perfect time to maintain and care for your trees.
- Frozen tundra, safe landscapes – during the freezing months of the winter the ground is rock solid and can greatly benefit everyone involved. Clients can expect minimal to zero damage to their lawns because the snow coverage and frozen ground. Landscape beds are also covered in a blanket of snow and kept safe from falling limbs and debris during any tree service work.
- Eye Appealing Spring Bloom – trees that are maintained during the winter months usually thrive in the next spring, not only are trees cleaned up and properly pruned, the new growth should flourish now that the tree has eliminated wasted energy.
No Leaves; No Problem
In the arboreal realm, the arrival of autumn and the subsequent descent of leaves mark a unique opportunity for arborists and tree enthusiasts alike. No leaves; no problem—this seasonal quirk is, surprisingly, an advantageous moment for tree trimming and maintenance. As deciduous trees gracefully shed their foliage, they unveil a skeletal elegance that provides an unobstructed view of their branches and overall structure. This leafless canvas not only simplifies the pruning process but also allows for a meticulous examination of the tree’s health, enabling arborists to make precise decisions with a clarity that is often obscured during the lushness of spring and summer.
Without the obstructed views of gorgeous leaf covered canopies, we are able to see each limb and dial in from ground with the clients right there by our side. Not only is this much safer than dissecting the tree while in the air, but then we can explain to our clients right then and there why we need to remove certain limbs and point out any other hazards that we may see.
Dormant Season
Winter, with its serene snowfall and a landscape dressed in frost, brings a unique stillness to the arboreal realm. As the deciduous trees shed their leaves, they enter a state of dormancy, a quiet period that holds hidden vitality. Stripped of their summer attire, the trees stand resilient, their branches exposed to the winter elements. This season of dormancy is more than a lull; it’s a strategic pause, an opportune time for arborists to engage in the delicate work of tree care. Against the backdrop of snow-covered landscapes, the dormant season reveals itself as a canvas for shaping, fortifying, and preparing trees for the cold embrace of winter.
During the dormant months pruning can benefit the health and vitality of trees in some major ways, here a few reasons why it’s best to trim and prune:
Stress Reduction – trees experience less stress during the winter months, pruning during this time minimizes the impact to the tree. Trees expend a lot less energy during their dormant period versus the growing season during the warmer months.
Insects – during the dormant period, most insects also go dormant. Insects such as the emerald ash borer larvae do not die during the winter months but rather enter a state of ‘supercooling’. Supercooling is the strategy of cooling down a liquid below its normal freezing temperature without ice formation. Different insects produce a variety of specialized sugars, alcohols, or anti-freeze proteins during their winter months to avoid freezing of their internal fluids.
Diseases – like insects, diseases can also go dormant and/or die off during the winter months making it much less likely for the spread of diseases.
Oak trees are susceptible to oak wilt, a fungus that spreads from diseased trees either underground via root systems or above ground by insects. Oak wilt is a fatal disease that is caused by a fungus that affects all species of oak.
Elm trees are susceptible to Dutch elm disease, which is very similar to oak wilt. Dutch elm disease (DED) is spread by beetles feeding on elm trees and can be spread from tree to tree through root grafts. DED is caused by an invasive fungal pathogen and occurs throughout Minnesota. If caught early, Dutch elm disease can be pruned out and the tree can be protected by fungicides.
Frozen Tundra, Safe Landscape
In the heart of winter, as the earth succumbs to the embrace of the frozen tundra, a unique ally emerges for tree care enthusiasts—the solid ground beneath the snow-covered expanse. The frost-laden landscape offers a respite, creating an opportune moment for safe and strategic tree work. With the ground frozen, the risk of damage to the landscape is significantly reduced, providing a canvas where arborists can navigate with precision. Beneath the snowy blanket lies a frozen foundation, a steadfast companion that not only simplifies the logistics of tree care but also safeguards the delicate dance between arborists and the winter landscape.
Solid Footing for Arborists – the frozen ground provides a stable and secure surface for arborists, minimizing the risk of slipping or sinking into soft soil. This solid footing ensures safe navigation, especially when working at heights or using heavy equipment.
Preserving Turf and Landscapes – unlike softer, unfrozen soil, the frozen ground is less susceptible to compaction and damage. Tree work during this time minimizes disturbances to lawns and landscapes, preserving the integrity of the surrounding turf.
Reduced Impact on Root Systems – the frozen soil acts as a protective barrier for tree roots. With the ground in a solid state, there is less disturbance to the root systems, allowing trees to maintain their stability and overall health.
Efficient Equipment Maneuverability – frozen ground facilitates the smooth movement of equipment, such as cranes and bucket trucks, across the landscape. This efficiency not only streamlines the tree care process but also mitigates potential harm to the surrounding environment.
Minimized Ground Disturbance – winter tree work takes advantage of the dormant season’s frozen landscape to minimize ground disturbance. This intentional approach aligns with the natural rhythm of the season, allowing both trees and the landscape to undergo necessary care with minimal disruption.
In the dance between arborists and the winter terrain, the frozen tundra emerges as a silent partner, offering its solid support for a symphony of safe and efficient tree work. As snow blankets the earth, the landscape remains preserved, awaiting the touch of skilled hands that navigate the frozen canvas with both precision and respect.
Spring Bloom Will Thrive
With the pruning and trimming done during the winter months, your overgrown trees will not only be much more eye appealing. Any limbs that are removed during the winter should be able to recover quickly and come springtime new growth should flourish. Maintaining your trees during the dormant season will help reduce your time looking at a bare tree.
It is important to note that any flowering trees should be pruned after they bloom, not during winter months if you are expecting a spring bloom. The reason being that when trees are pruned, the new bud is removed and eliminates the flowering process. Top Tier Tree recommend that you wait till these trees have bloomed for the year.