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How To Care For Your Trees In The Cold Weather

With the winter in full swing, we have collated some tips and advice on how to keep your trees looking healthy throughout the harsh weather.

When They Arrive To You

When your order of trees arrives in exceptionally cold weather, here are some tips on what you can do.

 

A major problem is that the soil is often frozen and you are unable to prepare a hole to plant them. Our advice is to remove them from their box and keep both potted and bare-rooted trees in a protected, cool area out of the wind and frost.

 

Choosing hardy trees and shrubs could mean less maintenance for you. These trees require little care and maintenance over the winter months meaning they are easy plants to keep during this season.

The bare-rooted trees should be kept in their tied bags. If the weather continues for over a week, you will need to open the bags and give the trees a light sprinkle of water to keep the roots from drying out. Re-tie the bags and leave them in the protected, cool area.

 

Potted trees might also need a light watering. DO NOT overwater as this could rot the roots. When the weather improves, prepare the hole, plant, water and mulch.

 

It’s also important to remember that tender trees such as citrus trees need to be brought in over winter and kept in warmer environments like a conservatory.

Caring For Your Trees

Firstly, remember that deciduous trees (those that lost their leaves in winter) are dormant, not dead. Some, mainly our Native trees, are tougher than species that are not indigenous. But, these too have adapted to our climate and generally with get through bad weather.

 

Newly planted, young trees are vulnerable to the frost and harsh winds. Try and give the trees a good soak if we are expecting harsh weather which helps them store moisture before the ground freezes and helps to reduce stress. Even if it has rained, the water doesn’t always get where it needs to be so it’s worth checking if the water has reached the root of the plant. This will give them a better chance of surviving the winter.

 

When the weather drops to unusually low, minus temperatures, our wonderful trees have to adapt. As mentioned, soil freezes reducing available underground moisture. Nasty, harsh winds also tend to give some stress. But, all in all, most trees ‘weather the storm’.

 

Snow is rarely heavy in Britain, but on a young, more delicate tree the snow can be gently brushed off. Although, snow can be a protection – keeping the tree warm against the winds.

Winter Maintenance

MULCHING

 

‘Mulching’ is an easy and effective way of protecting your trees in winter. A layer of mulch around the base of the tree can insulate the soil and help the roots keep warm and retain moisture – even when the land is frozen.

 

Two or three inches of mulch around the base of the tree, preferably organic, will reap benefits. Use materials such as shredded bark, straw/hay, and wood chips. These all make an effective blanket, keeping the tree roots warm.

PRUNING

 

Generally, winter is the best time to prune trees. This is because the tree is dormant and there are no naughty pests to nibble the branches. The leafless tree will be easier to prune as one can see which branches are weak or damaged and the bare outline can guide you as to the shape you require. Remove diseased branches to help maintain the health of the tree or shrub. Tie wall shrubs and climbers to protect them from strong winds.

 

Avoid pruning evergreens and tender plants as these are best left until Spring. Plants such as ornamental cherries, plum trees, and other similar species shouldn’t be pruned in autumn or winter as this can increase the risk of silver leaf disease.

 

Please do not attempt pruning in bad weather or anticipated bad weather.

Organising your garden makes it so much easier to manage and maintain your garden trees and shrubs. Preparing your garden for winter will ensure all the plants you planted survive – even if they aren’t hardy. Taking these tips into consideration will lead to a successful spring and summer where all your hard work will have paid off and you can reap the benefits of your beautiful garden.

 

For more advice on how to care for your trees and shrubs over winter, please get in touch with us today!