Many trees lose their leaves during the winter, causing them to be bare and not look alive. However, like bears and other wild animals, trees hibernate during the winter to survive the cold months. Dormancy extends a tree’s lifespan as it protects and prepares for the warmer months.
Trimming trees in winter is a great way for you to help them stay healthy. This blog will talk about some of our top tips for winter pruning and general tree care in Brandon, SD.
Remove Dead Foilage and Branches
You can remove dead or diseased wood from your tree at any point during the year. Winter is the best time to do so since the live foliage can’t get in your way.
We recommend pruning the dead wood where the branch meets a larger stem or branch. You can remove the entire branch if the whole thing is diseased or dead.
Other tips to keep in mind when removing branches include:
- Pruning unwanted lower branches from the tree
- Removing smaller and overgrown branches to increase air and light around the tree’s crown
- Maintain the tree’s structure and shape
Trim Deciduous Trees
Deciduous trees lose their leaves when they go into hibernation. The main sign that your tree is going dormant is when its leaves begin to fall. Types of deciduous trees include:
- Red oaks
- Sugar maple
- Ash
- Willow
- Aspen
- Walnut
Prune on a Mild Day
Taking care of your outdoor chores on a day where it’s dry and a mild temperature isn’t just more pleasant for you. The absence of moisture in the air deters waterborne plant diseases from spreading. This will also prevent additional cold weather-related damage from happening to your tree.
Keep in mind that you don’t want to prune your trees too early in the winter. Any cuts you make in the tree can dry out if the temperature goes below freezing.
Finish Before Your Tree Buds
Healthy trees will start to bud as the temperatures rise and the days get longer. These are signs that your trees are coming out of dormancy and starting another year of growth. Finish your pruning before this happens so the cuts can heal before the tree needs to focus on leaf development.
Work With a Partner
As we’ve mentioned, pruning in winter is ideal since the foliage won’t get in your way as you trim. A partner can help keep an eye on the tree’s shape as you cut branches. They can also let you know what branch needs to get pruned next.
Get Help Trimming Trees in Winter
Trimming trees in winter can help you keep your shrubs and trees healthy all year long. Take advantage of the time when your trees are dormant to prepare them for spring and summer. Partnering with an experienced tree and shrub pruning company can ensure the job is done correctly.
Tree trimming experts at Next Level Outdoor Services are here to help with your commercial and landscaping needs in Brandon, SD. Contact our office to schedule a consultation. We’ll come to your property and provide you with expert recommendations for your trees.