People have the misconception that trees are dormant in winter and hibernate like some animals do. Unfortunately trees are fully exposed and vulnerable to the elements.
Winter in Australia is short compared to even neighbouring countries like New Zealand. However, in June and July when harsh winter weather does occur can be particularly stressful for trees, especially young ones or those that have not developed a root system when winter arrives.
It is great that we can help trees be protected from the winter elements and be ready to grow strongly in spring and summer months.
What to do for your trees in winter
Mulch
During late autumn, one of the best things you can do is add a thin 50mm layer of organic mulch around the base of your tree. This mulch has been described by many as the equivalent to a multi- vitamin. This will insulate the soil and protect the roots against the extreme time in winter months.
Water
Trees, regardless of their size, still need to be well watered leading up to and during winter. This is particularly needed for newly planted trees but you have to be particularly mindful that you don’t water them when temperatures are extremely cold and the ground may freeze.
Spray them
The wind in winter combined with the winter sun creates dry conditions for green leafy trees. If possible, spray trees with an anti-desiccant, which is a spray that coats leaves with a wax that will help reduce moisture loss in the leaf/needle for up to 4 months in the winter.
Prune
Winter is a great time to inspect and prune your trees. As they aren’t as full of leaves you can easily spot any disease or decay or issues with the trunk or branches. Pruning trees wont damage their branches. They just won’t start growing properly again until spring.
Protect
To protect your trees in extreme weather conditions, especially newly planted young trees, cover their trunks with paper tree wrap. Wrap the trunk from the bottom and overlap the layers by a third each time. Stop wrapping just before you get to the lowest branches. Keep this wrap on until spring when the cold weather has subsided.
What to do for your trees year round…
We all know that healthy trees are an important part of our landscape and particularly good at beautifying any home. The blogging team gets asked often to do articles on tree and shrub care and maintenance to keep them healthy.
Here are some helpful tips on how to look after and keep your trees healthy year round for generations to come.
Inspect your trees regularly for any early signs of disease & damage
Regular tree inspections is the most important thing to ensure long term tree health. Look for any physical symptoms like tree rot due to pest infestations or impact damage. Finding tree rot early can help prevent its spread and extend the life of the tree and your enjoyment of it. Visible signs of fungus and discolouration around the tree’s base can be an indication of root rot. Any indication of this needs to be attended to with urgency.
Water your trees deeply and evenly, especially during dry periods
Tree care means more than just hosing the tree in particularly dry and hot periods. They relish deep watering year round and particularly in times of drought. Doing this will make a big difference in the health and resilience of your tree to ward off disease. It cannot be emphasised enough to take the time to give your tree the care & attention it deserves.
Remove dead branches to encourage new growth
The pruning of dead branches cannot be emphasised enough. Removing these promote a healthier tree and new growth. Regular pruning of your tree also helps to improve air circulation through the tree and helps keep disease away. Pruning also helps with the visual appeal to the tree.
Protect the tree’s roots
The importance of taking care of the a trees roots cannot be over emphasised. One of the best ways to protect a tree’s roots is by placing mulch around the base of the tree and over any exposed roots. The mulch provides a natural form of insulation for extreme weather conditions. It also helps retain moisture at the root zone of the tree. Aesthetically, it is also a great way of adding texture and colour to the landscape.
Feed your trees
Regularly spreading fertilizers to your trees can be really beneficial in helping them to acquire the nutrients and minerals they need to achieve maximum health. Manure and organic compost provides a way more natural boost than synthetically created fertilizers. Organic fertilizers also have the added benefit of increasing the water-retention capacity of soils beneath it. This leads to the need for less watering required.
Regularly inspect your tree for bugs and pests
It also goes without saying that home owners need to inspect their trees regularly for bugs and pests that may cause damage to it. Certain beetles and wood moths like to feed on dry rotting wood. Leaf beetles can be present eating away at the leaves. Termites too can bore fast through a tree trunk and branches and cause significant damage if not detected early. Regular checks of your trees are essential if you want to ensure the beauty of the trees on your property are preserved all year round and for decades to come.
Need help to remove a tree?
If a tree has died & you’re looking for a Sydney tree removal specialist, members of the blogging team have had great experiences with MTS Tress Services and recommend you check out their range of tree care and removal services detailed on their website here: https://www.mtstreeservice.com.au/tree-removal-service-areas/
