As temperatures drop, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources encourages homeowners to take simple steps to keep their yard trees healthy through fall and winter.
“Trees face extra stress as the seasons change, from hungry wildlife to harsh winter winds, especially in an urban environment,” said Mark Kruse, DNR urban and community forestry project specialist. “A little care now can go a long way toward protecting your trees and ensuring they thrive next spring.”
Fall care
Water trees until the ground freezes, especially newly planted or young trees. A typical yard tree that was recently planted needs around 15 to 20 gallons once a week if it doesn’t rain more than 1 inch. Maintaining soil moisture helps keep trees healthy.
Mulch helps insulate tree roots, especially on extremely cold days with no snow. Apply a layer of mulch three inches deep around the base of the tree, keeping it three inches away from the trunk and three feet wide.
Winter care
Winter may be a time of rest for trees, but it’s a great time to give them some attention. Protect young trees from wildlife and prepare them for healthy growth come spring by:
- Clearing tall grass, brush, or other materials that could shelter small animals near the tree bases you want to protect.
- Placing wire fencing two to three inches below ground and extending at least two feet above the expected snow depth. Check regularly to make sure wildlife isn’t trapped inside.
- Wrapping trees or adding guards to help protect bark from cracking caused by daytime sun and overnight freezing. Remove guards in late spring.
In areas with frequent deer activity, consider fencing large areas with 10-foot woven wire fence, or bud capping white pine seedlings, one of deer’s favorite food sources, by stapling a folded 4-by-6-inch piece of paper around the top bud to prevent browse in larger woodlands.
Consider hiring a professional arborist for larger pruning or removal work. Many arborists work year-round, and winter conditions are often better for both trees and yards. Frozen ground supports heavy equipment, reducing damage to lawns and landscaping, and cold weather helps limit the spread of insects and tree diseases such as oak wilt. Pruning oaks in the winter helps limit the risk of infection. For more information and tips on caring for trees year-round, visit the DNR website.