Trees Don’t Wear Sweaters: How to Help Them Survive Winter

As temperatures drop and winter approaches, most of us bundle up and prepare our homes for the cold. Your trees, however, don’t get that option. They face bare branches, heavy snow, and freezing winds with no protection, unless you give them a hand.

Taking the right steps in the fall ensures your trees are strong, stable, and ready for the season ahead. Here’s what matters most:

1. Prune Before the Snow Hits

Pruning in fall removes weak, dead, or crossing branches before they become a hazard under snow and ice. This isn’t just about appearance; it’s about safety, structure, and preventing property damage when storms roll in.

2. Water Deeply Before Freeze-Up

Trees still need water until the ground is frozen solid. A deep, slow watering before frost sets in gives the root system the reserves it needs to withstand harsh winter conditions.

3. Mulch for Root Protection

A proper layer of mulch insulates tree roots, stabilizes soil temperature, and conserves moisture. Keep mulch pulled back from the trunk itself to avoid decay and ensure long-term health.

4. Protect Young and Vulnerable Trees

Newly planted trees and saplings are at greater risk. Use tree guards or breathable wraps to shield them from frost cracks, sunscald, and wildlife damage during the colder months.

5. Book an Arborist Inspection

A certified arborist can identify structural weaknesses, disease, or hazards that aren’t always obvious. An inspection in fall reduces risks and gives you peace of mind heading into winter storms.

Trees don’t need sweaters; they need proper care. By pruning, watering, mulching, and protecting them now, you’re setting them up to stand strong through the toughest season of the year.

Canopy Keeper Tree Care is here to make sure your property and trees are prepared for winter, the professional way.