MENUAs temperatures drop and winter gets closer, your trees begin shifting into survival mode. Even if they look calm and dormant, this is a critical time to support their health and reinforce their structural strength. Acting now can prevent costly storm damage, pest activity, and hidden stress that often shows up months later. Whether you manage mature hardwoods, evergreens, or ornamentals, a pre-winter tree care plan helps keep your property safe and your trees resilient.
Here’s how to get your trees winter-ready with help from the team at Gunnison Tree Services:
Start With a Professional Tree Inspection
Before winter rolls in, schedule an inspection with one of our Certified Arborists. We’ll evaluate your trees for structural weaknesses, cracks, deadwood, decay, and other risk factors that become dangerous when ice, wind, or snow arrive. Many winter tree failures begin as small, easy-to-miss issues. Identifying them early protects your property and helps you prioritize any necessary work.
Remove Dead or Hazardous Branches
Weak or broken limbs are far more likely to fail under winter conditions. Strategic pruning reduces hazards, protects nearby structures, and promotes better long-term tree health. Removing deadwood also minimizes disease spread and improves airflow through the canopy. While homeowners can handle light pruning, anything involving height or heavy limbs should be handled by trained professionals, especially during winter prep.
Give Young and Newly Planted Trees Extra Protection
Young trees and those planted within the last few years are more vulnerable to temperature swings and winter stress. Wrapping trunks with breathable tree wrap helps prevent sunscald, frost cracks, and animal damage. Mulching around the root zone provides insulation, moisture retention, and protection from freeze-thaw cycles. Just remember to keep mulch pulled back from the trunk to prevent decay.
Clear Leaves and Debris Around the Base
A quick cleanup goes a long way. Fallen leaves and debris can trap moisture and create conditions where pests and fungal diseases thrive. Many pathogens overwinter in leaf litter and flare up again in spring. Keeping the base of your trees clean helps reduce these risks and supports overall health.
Check Soil Moisture Before the First Freeze
If the fall has been dry, deep watering before the ground freezes can significantly improve winter resilience. Evergreens especially depend on stored moisture to avoid cold-weather desiccation. Apply water slowly at the dripline to encourage deep root absorption, once the ground freezes, the opportunity is gone.
Watch for Overwintering Pests and Disease Issues
Some insects and fungal pathogens shelter inside bark crevices, soil, or leaf litter through the winter. A professional assessment can help catch these issues early and determine whether treatment is needed before they become bigger problems in spring.
Plan for Winter Storm Response
Winter storms in the Southeast can be unpredictable. Having a plan in place, and a trusted team on call, can save you time, money, and stress. Be sure to keep our number handy for emergency response, hazardous limb removal, and post-storm cleanup.
A Little Preparation Makes a Big Difference
Winter can be demanding for your trees, but proactive care now protects your landscape and helps prevent costly damage later. Whether you’re preparing for storm season or safeguarding your property for the months ahead, Gunnison Tree Services is here to help you stay ahead of the weather.
Ready to winter-proof your trees? Contact Gunnison Tree Services today.