Even if you haven’t taken steps to protect your garden for winter, it still isn’t too late. The weather has been challenging for many people in various parts of the country but with predictions that worse weather is still to come, you should look into making positive changes in and around your garden.
Even though your trees look sturdy and in great condition, they may not be. Even if they are, they will benefit from additional support and care in the winter months, and there are some simple steps that property owners can take to ensure their gardens are properly cared for.
Water until the ground freezes
While there is a lot to be said for watering your trees, when the ground starts to freeze, you should stop watering. This is common sense but given the importance of water, you can see why many people would feel as though this was an activity that was worth persevering with. However, the common consensus amongst professionals is that watering the ground around your trees in these conditions causes more harm than good, and should be avoided.
Prior to the worst of the weather occurring, it makes sense to apply mulch around the trees. You can opt for organic materials like bark or wood chips, and you should aim to apply around two to four inches of mulch across the root zone.
There is a very practical reason for this action as mulch helps to insulate the tree against challenging weather conditions and low temperatures. Mulch will also help to nourish the soil while ensuring that moisture levels are preserved at the soil.
Be careful not to apply the layer of mulch too close to the tree trunk base. If this mulch is applied too closely, it may suffocate the tree’s ability to breathe, causing more harm than good.
Remove stakes or ties
If you have new or emerging trees, securing them with stakes or ties is a sensible move. However, when it comes to winter time, it is advised that these stability measures are removed.
Prune your branches and limbs
Given the unpredictable nature of weather in winter, it is often sensible to prune branches and limbs of trees. Doing so can reduce the likelihood of storm damage or an ice storm causing issues in or around your property.
While you may think this is a simple task, it is a task where a lot of things can go wrong if you are unsure of what you are doing. To ensure that you don’t harm your tree or cause problems for a later date, it is best to rely on a professional for help.
A professional tree surgeon will know what limbs and branches should be removed from your tree and how to do this in an effective manner. Not only do tree surgeons have qualifications and experience in this line of work, but they also have the right equipment. This means they can carry out work safely, securely and in good style.
