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 since there is no foliage on deciduous trees, and pruning at this time prevents the spread of disease in fruit trees. Also, it is a great time to treat mites, scales, and other insects that overwinter as eggs with dormant oils.

Denver’s cold and dry weather can desiccate foliage, damage bark, kill branches and flower buds. The most critical winter tree care tip is watering trees when there is a winter drought. 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.

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.

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.

Fire Blight Treatment 

The Ross Tree arborist uses sharp tools, disinfectants, and know-how to cut out affected branches and remove any cankers to reduce infection in the winter. Winter is a good time for Fire Blight treatment because there is no need to sterilize the tools between cuts.

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.