Tree stress in the Madison area has been compounding over the last 3 years due to a variety of factors related to climate change. While this region of the U.S. is characterized by its seasonality, the last few years have been particularly abnormal for our region over such a short period of time. A few examples of such conditions include prolonged periods of drought in both summer and winter, excessively hot summers andwinters without consistent snowfall. While you may observe a tree dying here and there, tree stress remains hidden from view for some time before physical symptoms begin to show. Though the comprehensive effects of such extremes have yet to become fully visible, the stress is present. With such factors out of our control there are things you can do to help, even during winter months.
First, do no harm
Deicing salts: Use them only when you really need to and use them sparingly. See our article on salting recommendations above
Snow removal equipment: Steer clear of trees while shoveling and snow-blowing, taking care not to wound tree stems. Keep heavy equipment away from soil and don’t drive any equipment over tree roots. Roots can be found far beyond the tree’s “drip line” or the edge of the tree canopy by 3-5x and is this sensitive area is vulnerable to soil compaction. Soil compaction happens when excessive or repeated weight pushes oxygen out of soil and makes soil impenetrable to tree roots.
Manage snow and Ice: Knock heavy snow off the tops of your arborvitaes and other young trees before they become weighed down to prevent misshapen trees, and gently remove ice that is weighing down or putting strain on branches. Doing this too late can result in a tree shape that is undesirable and challenging to correct.
Second, Monitor and Respond When Necessary
Check for insect eggs: Eggs and overwintering insects are easier to see in the winter months, when lack of leaf cover makes them more visible. If you find anything, take a good photo to share with your arborist. This step is important since not all eggs come from harmful insects..
Cage vulnerable trees: Small mammals of all kinds found in the urban environment can begin to get desperate for food in the winter months and will resort to chewing on tree bark if nothing else is available. Place a fine-mesh, sturdy cage a few feet away from trees with smooth, thin bark or around young trees to prevent this kind of damage. Shrubs with similar characteristics may need the same protection. Cages should be left on well into Spring, until other more favorable food sources are available.
Water if Needed: When leaves disappear and growth ceases for the season, tree roots do not go completely dormant and still require water to function. A “normal” winter with snow cover delivers incremental water to trees over the season and protects soil from extreme cold. If snow cover is scant, consult your arborist regarding more detailed guidance for winter watering.
Third, Be Proactive
Mulch: Mulching is one of the best things you can do to help trees make it through winter. Mulch insulates soil from temperature extremes (both cold and hot), helps trees retain moisture and breaks down over time to passively improve soil texture and nutrient availability. Make sure you do not mulch more than 3” deep and be sure that the root flare is visible and not buried. The wider the mulch ring the happier the tree.
Prune Appropriate Trees and Shrubs: While most trees do well being pruned in the spring and fall, there are some species that are susceptible to fatal diseases and pathogens that are active during the growing season. Oaks, elms, crabapples, hawthorns and pears are a few examples of such trees. If you have more questions about this topic, contact your arborist.
Winter Planning: Now is the time to plan what to plant next year and schedule your next pruning visit or consult with your arborist. Winter is a great time to meet with your arborist, especially to discuss potential pruning, whether it’s done in winter or spring. The winter season exposes the architecture of your trees and shrubs which makes pruning easier to see and execute.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Remember that tree stress compounds over time, and the recommendations above are low cost ways to keep you trees healthy.
If you have questions or want to discuss a possible issue, contact us to set up a meeting with your consulting arborist.