The past few winters in Austin, Texas have been memorable. From the 2021 Great Texas Freeze to the icy conditions of 2023, Austin has seen it all.
One of the most frequent questions we get at this time of year from customers is, “How can we prepare our trees for the winter?”. Preparation is key and luckily, preparing your trees for the winter isn’t as big of a lift as you may expect! Follow our top three simple tips to help your trees have a healthy winter.
1. Prepare Your Trees for Winter by Pruning Them
Pruning trees is key for their longevity and health but is also important for safety from harsh winter conditions.
Trees with excessive growth or dead limbs can become “heavy”. These heavy branches are already weak from carrying too much weight and are vulnerable to snapping or falling when they are faced with snow, ice, or heavy winds. If the trees are close to your roof or home, this can cause some serious damage.
Another important reason for pruning your trees is to remove any diseased or pest-infected limbs. Diseases and pests make the tree weaker and more susceptible to damage. Fall is the best time to prune your trees to give them the best chance of surviving the winter.
2. Prepare Your Trees for Winter by Watering Them
Watering trees may be a top priority in the summer, but it’s also important in the winter!
Soil acts as an insulator for trees, and it best retains heat when it is moist. Moist soil will protect the tree's roots and keep them hydrated throughout the wintertime. Plus, the soil will protect roots from damage if there are rapid temperature changes.
Trees like to be watered low and slow- a soaker hose is the easiest tool to utilize. Aim to water your trees once to twice a month, depending on the amount of precipitation in your area.
3. Prepare Your Trees for Winter by Laying Fresh Mulch
Laying fresh mulch before the winter is one of the best things you can do for your trees.
When we step outside for winter, our bodies can regulate our temperature but an added layer of protection, like a jacket, helps our body insulate the heat. Think of mulch as a jacket for the soil and tree roots. A layer of mulch is natural insulation for soil, encouraging temperature regulation to protect tree roots.
Mulch also helps retain soil moisture by reducing evaporation. Heavy winds or long exposure to sunlight can cause soil to become dry- which is not ideal for a tree in the winter. Mulch acts as a layer of protection and slows evaporation, keeping the soil moist for longer periods.
Preparing Your Trees for Winter Is Key
You’ve probably heard the famous quote “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”- and we believe that applies to preparing your trees for winter! Taking action now, ahead of potential freezes and snow, will give your trees a better chance of surviving the winter and protect your property from tree damage.
Now that you're armed with the top tips to prepare your trees for winter, it's time to take action and ensure your trees are ready for whatever winter in Austin throws their way! Legacy Tree Trimming serviced hundreds of customers during the 2023 freeze and we want to help you prepare for winter.
When you schedule tree removal or pruning that involves trees near your home, we'll sweeten the deal by providing a complimentary gutter cleaning. It's our way of ensuring your property is not only tree-safe but also ready for winter rains. We’ll also have our chipper in tow to provide you with fresh mulch.
Call (512) 797-9834 today or submit your information here!
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