6 Essential Tips for a Healthy Tree Before Winter
As November and December come around the corner, it is a crucial time for winter tree care, and it’s the season when your trees need some extra attention to stay healthy and vibrant. Here are six essential tips to ensure your trees thrive during the colder months.
1. Weed, Clean, and Aerate the Soil Three Feet from the Center of Your Tree
Winter tree care is the most important task you can do to keep your tree healthy. By moving the soil near the tree around, you bring more nutrients to the tree, while bringing air to the soil, which prevents rotting. To do this, gently weed the area and remove debris, ensuring the soil is loose and aerated.
2. Mulch the Tree Using the 3x3x3 Method
Proper mulching is essential, but it’s crucial to do it right. Mulch your tree no more than three inches high and three inches wide, making sure to maintain a three-inch clearance from the tree’s base to avoid covering the root flare. Contrary to popular belief, trees do not benefit from a ‘mulch volcano’ around them, so be sure to maintain a 3” clear radius from the tree base with any mulch application.
3. Water Your Tree—Especially If Newly Planted Within the Last Two to Three Years
Even during the winter, trees need moisture. This is typically one of the last things people think to do for effective winter tree care. If your tree is established and has been planted in an ideal rainfall location, it should be able to withstand hot and dry weather. However, it’s important to water your trees regularly during the winter growing season, especially if they are newly planted or experiencing drought conditions.
4. Remove Dead, Diseased, and Damaged Branches
Pruning should be an ongoing task, but it’s particularly important during the winter months to prevent branches from falling due to the weight of snow or ice. Cutting down diseased sections can also prevent further damage to the tree. Regular pruning helps maintain the tree’s structural integrity.
5. Beware of Invasive Insects
Invasive species pose a significant threat to the native flora of the Portland, Oregon area. One such pest, the Mediterranean oak borer, a minuscule beetle no bigger than a sesame seed, has been discovered in trees around the Portland area.
In order to prevent the invasive Mediterranean oak borer from further invading and harming your trees in the Portland area, it’s essential to take proactive measures. Regularly inspect your trees for any signs of infestation, such as small exit holes or sawdust-like material around the base of the tree. If you suspect an infestation, contact a certified arborist from Beaver Tree Services for a thorough evaluation and potential treatment options. Additionally, consider implementing preventative measures, such as using tree banding or specialized tree wraps, to create a barrier that deters these tiny beetles from laying their eggs. By staying vigilant and taking timely action, you can help protect your trees from the destructive impact of the Mediterranean oak borer.
6. Consult a Certified Arborist
If you have an ailing tree or notice any issues that you are uncertain about, it’s crucial to contact a certified arborist. “It could be a pest, a pathogen, a soil issue, environmental stress, improper planting, or a combination of these issues. As with most things, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
By following these six essential winter tree care tips, you can ensure your trees remain healthy, resilient, and beautiful throughout the cold season and beyond.
Beaver Tree Service are experienced arborists in Beaverton, Portland, and Medford, Oregon. They can provide commercial tree service for people of Oregon. Contact Beaver Tree Service today!
