For the first two years of a young tree’s life, they need a bit of extra attention. Proper winter tree care is important for the long-term health of your young saplings. The certified arborists at Harford Tree want to help you make sure that your young trees make it all the way through the cold winter weather. Read on for a few of the best ways to care for your landscape’s young trees this winter!
Caring for Young Trees this Winter
While it is very unlikely we will see enough rain this winter to harm your young trees completely, it is important to make sure their roots are getting enough oxygen. Too much water too quickly can deprive their roots of important oxygen required to grow big and strong. If you are expecting some new showers, prepare by spreading about two to three inches of mulch all around your tree’s trunk. This will help slow down the soil soak and helps protect your young tree’s developing roots.
Freshly-planted trees don’t respond well to big drops or changes in temperature. The mulch will also help ensure the roots have that extra layer of protection from the winter’s ground frost. With this extra warmth, water in the soil is a lot less likely to get cold for your plant’s budding roots.
Winter Sun and Frost Damage on Young Trees
It can get freezing here in Maryland during the winter, and temperatures can even reach freezing, followed by crispy sunny mornings. Unfortunately for your saplings, this common weather pattern is the perfect storm for a disaster. Sunscald is usually caused by a tree’s bark freezing over in cold temperatures and then being exposed to the sunlight. This leaves visible and permanent damage to your tree’s bark and could compromise the tree’s health. Frost damage can be very detrimental to the growth of tender shoots and foliage of your young trees. An older tree is much more likely to live from sunscald and the effects of frost, but this combination could result in a young tree’s death.
Covering Your Young Trees During the Winter
Covering your baby trees might not be a terrible idea if the weather is particularly bad during this time of the winter and if your trees are very young. You can ensure that they stay healthy and strong when the conditions get rough. If you are wondering whether or not it is a good idea to cover your young trees this winter, get in touch with a certified arborist from Harford Tree today!
Tree Care and Maintenance from Harford Tree
Ready to have the beautiful yard you have always dreamed of? Harford Tree Experts & Landscaping, Inc has been in the business for decades, providing customers with quality work and quick responses all at the right price. We service the areas of Harford County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City areas including Bel Air, Fallston, Perry Hall, Towson, Essex, Parkville, White Marsh, and Middle River. For service during business hours, reach out to us or give us a call at 410-592-7321. We offer 24/7 emergency service as well, just give us a call at 443-250-6649. For updates about our business and more informative tips, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.