While you’re making that checklist for the holidays, better add something else. It’s time to prepare your home and yard for winter. We’re not just talking about hauling away the last of the leaves and moving plants indoors. Winter-prep also includes protecting your trees from the cold and sunburn. Yes, trees can get a sunburn. Fortunately, prevention is simple.
Sunscald
People need to lather on sunscreen to prevent sunburn and skin cancer. Even though trees are sturdy, newly planted and young trees also need protection from direct sunlight. You can avoid sunscald by wrapping them.
Arborists at Michigan State University say sunscald happens on cold, sunny, winter days. It occurs when there’s a sudden change in the temperature of the tree bark. The sunlight stimulates growth. The temperature of the bark drops rapidly when clouds block the sun, or when the sun goes behind a barrier. That quick drop in temperature confuses the tree and can kill active tissue. The tissue can also suffer damage when the temperature drops below freezing, leading to sunscald. It’s usually apparent on the exposed bark on the southwest part of the tree.
Varieties of trees most susceptible to sunscald are those with thinner bark. They include: maple, aspen, linden birch, ash, walnut, willow, and fruit trees.
Saplings, new and young trees should also be wrapped before winter. Sunscald will stunt a tree’s growth and affect the amount of fruit you yield from your apple and pear trees. Another bonus of wrapping your tree is it prevents rodents from gnawing on them in the winter.
Mulching
Mulching is an important step in preparing thicker trees for winter. Mulch serves as a protective layer that insulates the soil, keeping it warm during cold weather and preventing rapid temperature changes that can cause stress to the roots.
Mulch also helps to retain moisture in the soil, which is important during winter months when trees are prone to dehydration from cold winds and the freezing of surface water. By conserving moisture, mulch makes sure that the roots have access to the necessary hydration even during dry, frosty conditions.
When applying, spread a 2- to 4-inch layer around the base of the tree, extending it to the area beneath the outer edges of the branches. Organic materials like shredded bark, wood chips, and straw are great choices for winter mulching. These materials also break down over time and enrich the soil with nutrients.
Wrap the Tree
You can prevent damage to your trees by taking action now. Wrap the trunks with protective tree wrap. Tree wraps come in a variety of materials, including paper, burlap, fabric, and cardboard. You can find the wrap at your local Do it Best hardware store.
How to Wrap the Tree
Wrapping the tree trunk is simple. Begin at the base of the trunk and pull the strip upwards, wrapping and overlapping as you go. The wrap should fit snugly around the trunk, but not too tightly, or you risk preventing air-flow to the bark. Secure the end of the wrap to the tape itself and not the tree trunk. You can also tuck the end of the wrap underneath itself and pull it out.
Tree wrap should not remain on a tree year-round. Leaving the wrap on when temperatures start to rise gives insects a place to breed and invites pest damage. The rule of thumb is to wrap your tree by Thanksgiving and remove the wrapping by Easter.
Winters can be brutal to landscapes, but if you protect your trees and remember to water young trees in the fall and winter, you should be able to prevent sunscald and have healthy trees come spring.
Watering
Watering trees before and during the winter months is just as important as mulching and wrapping your trees. Although the trees may be dormant, they still require water to survive.
Before the ground freezes, deeply water the area around the tree, ensuring the roots have absorbed and stored enough moisture to last through the winter when the soil becomes frozen. This deep watering helps the tree prepare for the cold months ahead, reducing the risk of winter drought.
In some regions where winter is mild or particularly dry, watering may be necessary on warmer days when the ground isn’t frozen. This additional watering prevents the roots from drying out, which can weaken the tree and make it more prone to winter damage.
However, it’s essential to avoid overwatering. Excessive moisture can freeze and cause root damage. For newly planted trees, watering is even more important because their root systems haven’t fully developed. Regular watering helps them establish strong roots and ensures they survive the winter and thrive in the following growing season.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When protecting young trees during the winter, some common mistakes can cause harm. Here are common mistakes to be aware of:
- Over-Wrapping: Wrapping trees too tightly or with materials that don’t allow for air circulation can cause overheating, promote mold growth, and restrict the tree’s ability to grow. Make sure to leave some breathing room when using tree wraps or covers.
- Improper Mulching: While mulching is important, placing mulch directly against the tree’s trunk can lead to rot and attract pests. Instead, create a ring of mulch around the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent moisture buildup at the base.
- Leaving Covers On Too Long: It’s important to remove covers and wraps as soon as the cold weather subsides in the spring. Leaving them on too late can cause the tree to overheat or prevent new growth. Monitor temperatures and remove protective layers once the threat of frost has passed, typically around Easter.
Make sure to mulch, water, and wrap your trees before the winter season this year. With this information, you’re now equipped to keep your trees healthy this winter and promote strong growth come Spring. If you’re doing tree and plant maintenance before the winter season, make sure to check out our articles on how to trim tree branches and how to plant a tree.