
Trees are resilient on their own, but with a little extra attention throughout the year, they can truly thrive. Even during winter, you can give your trees a boost – in fact, it’s probably the ideal season to prune your trees. If you take time for your trees now, you could see huge benefits when the weather warms again. Read on to learn more about how Treemasters can help your trees survive and thrive this winter.
Benefits of Winter Pruning
Did you know that trees can experience stress? Just like in people, tree stress is bad for its overall health. It can stunt its growth and leave it more vulnerable to disease and pest infestations. Unfortunately, pruning is very stressful for trees – and the open “wounds” in the tree’s trunk make it more susceptible to disease. This is where winter pruning comes in handy.
Trees become dormant during wintertime, meaning their growth slows, and they begin to conserve energy for new growth in spring. They will experience less stress while in this state, meaning you can prune away sick limbs without risking the health of the rest of the tree. Plus, pests are less active during winter – so they’re much less likely to settle in the pruned areas.
Why Trees Need Pruning
Pruning isn’t just about looks – it can also bring your trees significant health benefits, especially when combined with other treatments like fertilization and pest control. Here are just a few of those benefits:
- Removing sick or damaged limbs. When growth restarts in spring, the tree will prioritize the remaining healthy limbs and make them stronger.
- Balancing the crown. Trees need to stay balanced in order to remain upright. Pruning away unbalanced branches will make the tree less likely to fall.
- Promoting leaf growth. The leafy part of the tree is called the canopy; trimming it can increase the amount of sunlight the leaves get, as well as promote air circulation.
- More fruit from fruit trees. Pruning can encourage higher fruit yields.
Winter Tree Assessments
All trees – except evergreens – will lose their leaves during the winter. Without all those leaves in the way, it’s easier for an arborist to assess your tree for any hidden vulnerabilities or pest damage. During the winter, these problems can also be addressed with minimal stress for the tree.
Marin County winters are generally mild, but high winds and snow are still possible. Dealing with weak or damaged limbs before the weather gets bad can help prevent property damage or injury that occurs when these branches fall. If you’re experiencing a tree emergency, such as fallen limbs or an entire fallen tree, call Treemasters right away. We’re available 24/7 for emergency tree services.
Treemasters is Here to Help Marin County Trees Thrive
In the middle of winter, you might not be thinking about your trees’ health, but it could be the best time to help them get a jump start on the growing season. The Treemasters team is dedicated to helping you keep your trees healthy and beautiful year-round, so count on us for all your tree care needs.
Give us a call to get started with a free consultation!
Why To Prune Your Trees During Winter in San Rafael and the North Bay Area
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