What To Do in the Winter to Keep Your Trees and Lawns Healthy?

By the end of the summer, most trees have set their flower and leaf buds, making the colder months a great time for winter tree care. Tree trimming is easier because arborists can see tree damage and disease since deciduous trees have no foliage. Also, it is a great time to treat mites, scales, and other insects that overwinter as eggs with dormant oils. Ross Tree’s General Manager discusses winter tree care below. 

Denver’s climate is arid. So, winter droughts are common, with two occurring in 2021 and 2022. Drought wrecks havoc on trees, making them susceptible to disease and insect damage in the following spring and summer. Since the ground rarely freezes in the Denver area, winter is a good time for deep root watering and feeding. To create a list of winter tree care to-dos, please download our Winter Tree Service Calendar.

For more information, please check out our recently updated Winter Tree Care Handbook.

Need winter tree care? For an appointment, click here to fill out a request service form or call 303-871-9121.

Deep Root Watering 

Tree root systems store nutrients and water so trees in Denver can survive Denver’s dry winters. All trees benefit from supplemental watering during the winter, particularly during droughts. Young trees especially need watering during dry spells. Click here for more information about deep root feeding.

Winter Pruning

In the winter, it is easier to evaluate tree structure. Winter pruning truly benefits trees and sets them up for a successful growing season. In the spring, the tree directs energy to fewer branches, which improves the overall vigor of a tree. The buds on the remaining branches produce healthier leaves, fruit, and limbs. Click here for more information about Winter Tree Care.

Chapstick for Trees 

Anti-desiccants sprayed on evergreen foliage form a soft, transparent, flexible film that protects leaves and needles from drying out during the winter and protects them from winter drought and high winds.

Dormant Oil Treatments

Dormant oils control tree aphids, mites, and scales that overwinter as eggs. Dormant oils are sprayed on trees in the winter and are effective against exposed tree insect eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults.