Utah has intense winters that can be tough on trees. That’s why we encourage all of our clients to be diligent about protecting their trees in the winter. There are a couple of things you can do to maintain tree health and prep for the transition into spring. Here are some of the most important tips we have for winter tree care in Utah.
Tips for Winter Tree Care in Utah
To protect your trees from the Utah winter, we recommend:
1. Protect any trees that are susceptible to freezing.
Young trees and any subtropical or tropical trees should not be left unprotected in the winter. If you are worried about a young tree freezing, cover it with a bag to insulate it. Ideally, you can stake down the bag so that there is no gap between the ground and the bag.
If you have any subtropical or tropical trees outside, you most likely have them in pots. It wouldn’t make much sense to plan such trees outside in our climate. Just remember to bring those pots inside.
2. Apply a thick layer of mulch around your trees.
A layer of mulch, approximately 4-5 inches, will do a lot to insulate the tree and retain moisture. Just be sure to apply the mulch correctly. Keep the mulch off of the tree trunk and do your best to flatten it out around the tree so that it sends water towards the trunk instead of away from it. Think about the shape of a crater, where there is a dip in the middle. Attempt to create that shape with your mulch.
3. Water trees in the winter.
Just because a tree is dormant doesn’t mean it doesn’t need water. Young trees require water in winter every week or two. Mature trees require water every month or two. Of course, if you are getting rain during the winter you will need to adjust the amount of water.
Attempt to water deeply, which you can do by leaving the water on low flow for an extended period of time.
Winter Tree Removal Benefits for Homeowners
In addition to the tips mentioned above, some trees cannot be saved and the best option is to remove the tree. Winter is an excellent season to remove dangerous or unhealthy trees. Homeowners can experience several advantages by opting for winter tree removal:
a. Increased Property Value: Removing an unwanted or hazardous tree from your property can significantly enhance its aesthetic appeal. The removal of problematic trees opens up space, improves visibility, and makes your landscape look more attractive, increasing your property’s value.
b. Preservation of Other Trees: Trees that are heavily infested with pests or suffering from diseases can spread these issues to healthy trees nearby. By removing the affected tree during winter, you prevent the spread of pests or diseases to other vegetation, preserving the health and longevity of your remaining trees.
c. Energy Savings: If you have deciduous trees near your home, removing them during winter allows more sunlight to enter your property. This, in turn, helps to warm your home naturally, leading to potential energy savings on heating costs.
d. Peace of Mind: By eliminating potentially dangerous trees from your property, you can enjoy peace of mind during winter storms. Knowing that you have proactively taken steps to minimize the risk of fallen branches or trees can greatly reduce anxiety and ensure the safety of your family and belongings.
e. Preventive Measure: Carrying out tree removal in winter acts as a preventive measure. By addressing tree issues before they become more severe in the warmer months, you can avoid the potential for costly damage to your property or the need for emergency tree removal services.
Let Us Help Care for Your Trees This Winter
The best advice we can give for winter tree care in Utah is to get a free consultation from our tree care professionals. A short visit from our team – at no cost to you -is the best way to find out what kind of care your trees need this winter.
Please call us today at (801) 386-2405 or complete our secure online contact form to speak to one of our team members. We are ready to make sure your trees are as healthy as possible year-round.