Preparing freshly planted trees this winter season

If this is your first year planting a new tree, you may have some questions on how to prepare your new sapling for the coming winter. A freshly planted tree, whether young or mature will be at risk during the cold simply for the fact that they lack an established root system. Read on to find out what tree care you can provide to your newly planted trees to help them not only survive this winter, but flourish.

We’ll start from the base of the tree, the roots. Before the first freeze be sure to adequately water your newly planted trees. Young trees will need a lot more water during winter in their first 2-3 years of being planted, which means you may consider giving your trees some water during thaw periods throughout winter. Don’t worry, you won’t harm the roots by doing this! This will actually prevent what is often called winter drought. Consider having your trees fertilized this fall. A Tree Doctor arborist will gladly take a look at your property and provide you with a free estimate on just what you need with a customized fertilizer mix.

Above ground, consider applying mulch around your new trees. Not too much however, you’ll want to focus on keeping the circumference within the trees drip-line while avoiding piling the mulch against the trunk. Mulch provides two benefits: It helps insulate your trees roots during the cold winter extremes and it also slows water loss from the soil. If you live in an especially cold zone, consider waiting until the ground is frozen solid before mulch application.

For the trunk, you’re going to want to stake young trees and wrap them. Allow for flexible movement so that your tree will continue to build a strong and sturdy trunk. Wrapping your tree will help prevent wind damage, control pests and prevent sun-scald. Sun-scald occurs when one side of your tree thaws in the sunshine, then quickly freezes over as temperatures drop come evening.

The final part of the tree you’ll want to be sure to check is the branches. Not just for young newly planted trees, you’ll want to ensure all of your trees have been well maintained. Dropping of foliage will allow you to get a good look at the health of your trees. Questions you want to ask include:

• Are there any dead branches?
• Are any branches rubbing against one another and causing damage?
• Are there any breaks or cracks?

If your answer is yes to any of these questions, be sure to give the Tree Doctors a call! We have experienced arborists on call who can come and give you a free estimate on all your tree care needs. Not only can we trim branches, but apply fertilizer and mulch as well! Your tree care is safe in our hands.

Are you in need of tree health care services in the city of Toronto? Give us a call: (416) 201-8000! Our highly experienced fully equipped and certified Toronto arborists are always looking forward to helping you with any of your tree care needs!