Homeowners often associate tree and plant health care with spring. However, the winter season is ideal for a professional tree health assessment. It’s easier to inspect for damage to your tree’s branches without the cover of foliage. It’s also an important part of safety; winter storms can easily take down weak, damaged, or sick limbs, and identifying them can protect your family and property.
It’s important to get your trees checked regularly (about every 2-3 years) in the early winter. Read on to learn more about winter tree inspections with us!
The Importance of Hiring an Arborist to Check Tree Health in Winter
Regular tree inspections by a professional arborist can minimize the impact of issues like pest and disease infestations. Scheduling an arborist to check tree health also helps catch (and ultimately, remove!) safety concerns like deadwood or broken branches.
Since most homeowners can’t identify tree problems at first glance, it’s important to schedule professional tree assessments with the experts. While it may be tempting to group this task with spring cleaning, the winter months provide a better evaluation environment.
Why We Like to Assess Winter Tree Health
So, why should you have your trees assessed this winter rather than wait for spring? Here are some of the top benefits of checking the health of your trees during the winter (and the tailored care plan we can build from it!):
- Leaves hide things. Arborists can spot branch and limb issues more quickly when they’re bare and make better decisions on which branches to trim.
- Snow can pose a danger. Winter snowfall can overload weakened tree branches, posing a safety risk. Scheduling your assessment for early winter can help avoid winter storm damage.
- Dormant trees recover faster. Trimming trees in winter during their dormant period allows them to use their energy to heal, rather than spending some on growth. In the spring and summer, trees need to focus their efforts on producing leaves and growing. In fall, trees are still in the process of shutting down for the cold season.
- Colder weather means fewer pests. Pests thrive during spring and summer. Winter tree-trimming allows tree wounds to properly heal before the insects come out in the spring. Additionally, it will be easier to treat existing pest infestations if we discover signs of eggs or dormant insects.
- Winter tree removal is safer and more efficient. If an arborist determines that it’s safer to remove your tree, it’s easier to do in winter. The lack of leaves means less cleanup, and there are no spring flowers to worry about damaging with heavy equipment. Winter weather and pest dormancy also make it less likely that infested trees could spread pests or diseases to other healthy trees in your yard.
Signs You Need to Schedule a Tree Health Assessment This Winter
Here are some signs a tree is sick or struggling and could use an expert’s eye:
- Cracked or dangling branches, especially after a storm.
- Pine trees turning brown in winter.
- A lack of buds or dry, shriveled buds. (Yes, trees should have tiny buds in winter!)
- Patchy bark.
- A cracked trunk.
- Brittle, dry, or dead twigs throughout the tree.
- Animal damage, especially from deer.
Related Content: How to Protect Trees from Deer
What Does a Winter Arborist Tree Inspection Look Like?
Here’s what to expect during your winter tree assessment.
Care for Your Tree’s Root Health
Your professional arborist will inspect root health around the tree’s root crown where the trunk meets the roots. A root collar excavation may be required if there are issues due to soil buildup or girdling roots. (Girdling roots are roots that grow in a spiral around the trunk, strangling it.) These problems can be easier to see or remedy with less plant growth around the base of your tree.
Inspection for Pest & Disease Infestation
Pest and disease infestation can be caused by poor soil, improper watering, or compromised tree wounds. Spotting early signs is key to stopping the spread and getting your tree ready for the growing season. Professional arborists will look for signs of damage and recommend the right trunk injections to help the tree recover before spring.
Trunk Health Support & Branch Trimming
The tree trunk is the main support and connector of the tree, so it must be healthy to support the rest of the tree. Arborists will inspect for peeling bark, decay, split stems, and cracks compromising the tree's structure. Additionally, your arborist will assess if the tree needs trimming and pruning, which is easier to determine in the winter months when the tree is bare. Winter pruning means the tree will heal before it’s time to use its energy to grow.
Check Winter Tree Care off Your To-do List
Even if you think your trees look healthy, getting a winter tree assessment by an expert is a great idea. Take advantage of the dormant season to get the most out of your tree assessment and prepare your tree for a healthy growing season. Call your local Monster Tree Service team or request an estimate online to get started.