Winter Tree Care Tips

✂️ Benefits of Late Winter Pruning

Pruning in late winter offers several key advantages:

• Trees recover faster when pruned before new growth begins.
• It encourages healthier canopy development in the spring.
• For deciduous trees, the lack of leaves makes it easier to see the tree’s true structure and identify problem branches.

How and What to Prune

When pruning, focus on safety, structure, and tree health:

• Start by removing dead, dying, or diseased branches.
• Prune at the branch node (where the branch connects) for proper healing.
• Late winter is a great time to perform roof and ground clearance pruning.
• Remove rubbing or inward-growing branches that restrict airflow or cause wounds.
• Never remove more than 25% of the live canopy in a single season.
• Avoid pruning right after a freeze - let the tree stabilize first.

🌿 Plant Healthcare for Winter

Watering

Even in winter, your trees still need water - especially during dry spells.

• Water deeply before the ground freezes.
• Water during warmer periods of the winter to keep roots hydrated.
• Focus watering around the outer drip line of the tree, where the feeder roots are most active.

Mulch

Mulching helps protect roots and retain soil moisture.

• Apply mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk.
• Mulch acts as insulation, protecting roots from freezing and temperature swings.

Growth Regulator

Winter is an ideal time for growth regulator treatments.

• When trees are dormant, the soil absorbs the treatment more efficiently.
• This helps prepare your tree for balanced, sustainable growth when spring arrives.

🌳 Young Tree Protection

Young trees are especially vulnerable during cold weather.

• Wrap trunks in burlap to prevent frost cracks in the bark.
• This added protection can make a big difference during sudden temperature drops.

Final Thoughts

Late winter is a critical window to care for your trees the right way. A few simple steps now can prevent damage, promote stronger growth, and ensure your trees stay healthy all year long.

If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to our team at Tree Scouts Tree Service. Our team can provide expert recommendations tailored to your trees and property.

Healthy, Happy Trees. Scout’s Honor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the best time to prune trees in Central Texas?
Late winter - just before spring growth begins - is ideal for most trees. Pruning during dormancy helps trees heal faster, reduces the risk of disease, and allows you to see the structure clearly without leaves in the way.

2. Should I water my trees during the winter?
Yes. Even though trees are dormant, their roots still need moisture. Water deeply during warm spells and focus on the outer drip line to keep the root zone healthy throughout the season.

3. How can I protect young trees from winter damage?
Wrap young trunks in burlap or tree wrap to prevent frost cracks and sunscald. Adding mulch around the base also helps insulate the roots from freezing temperatures.