Now that winter is officially here in New England, it’s easy to think that there isn’t much that needs to be done in terms of caring for your trees. On the contrary; winter tree care can be extremely vital in the overall health of the tree for the upcoming warmer months.
Right now, your trees are in the inactive, or dormant, stage of growth-which is the best time to prune. Pruning can be done for aesthetic purposes, but it can also be done for the safety of the tree and your property. If tree limbs are too large and loom near power lines, your home, or other objects on your property-it can put them all at serious risk of damage. Limbs that are too weak need to be pruned to avoid damage to the tree itself. Proper pruning can help to prevent trees from weeping over from the weight of heavy snow and ice that can form in the winter. Pruning in the winter is less intrusive to the tree and is also more effective for the arborist. Due to the lack of leaves, the arborist can easily see the shape of the tree, allowing him to know exactly where to make the proper cuts.
In preparation for next year’s winter tree care, it is helpful to water and mulch some of your trees before the first heavy frost. The mulch will help to retain some moisture in the roots of the tree and help to keep pesky weeds out. Ideally mulch should be spread to about 2 to 3 inches thick using the taper method. Too much mulch piled up next to the trunk of the tree can trap too much moisture which can cause fungus growth and disease.
If there is a large winter storm headed your way and you are concerned about some of the trees on your property, it is best to reach out to a professional who can assess the situation and implement the proper techniques.
Here at Green Trees Arborcare, we know trees. We have a highly skilled and professional team with the right equipment to get the job done right. If you have any winter tree care questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at: 508-384-2992 or click here to reach us on the web.
Fall’s beautiful foliage has come and gone-leaving most properties looking gray, dull, and uninviting, but this doesn’t have to always be the case. There are several winter plants that you can place around your property to create a visually pleasing scene throughout the long, cold New England winter months.
Several winter plants offer year-round benefits because many are evergreens. Evergreens will provide your property with a vibrant green color rather than a plant that loses all leaves and flowers-leaving nothing but sparse gray and brown branches. Evergreens are a great addition to the front of a home to cover the foundation-serving not only an aesthetic purpose, but also creating insulation. The foundation will stay cooler in the hot summer months and will serve as a barrier against the cold bitter winds in the winter.
The following are some common winter plants that can be found here in New England:
Ornamental Grasses-add interest to any property with several different varieties to choose from.
Winterberry-the “Winter Red” and “Sparkleberry” varieties provide striking red berries that will be striking in a winter scene.
Blue Holly-probably one of the most quintessential winter plants with its evergreen leaves and bright red berries. Great along walkways or in front of the foundation. Use clippings to decorate inside your home during the holidays!
Firethorn-the “Yukon Belle” variety is an evergreen and a member of the rose family. It has bright orange fruit that lasts through the fall and winter and has small white flowers in the spring.
Yew Shrubs-There are several different varieties to choose from and are drought-resistant evergreens that are great in front of a foundation.
Cypress-These evergreens are well adapted to the New England climate and make for great decorations during the holidays.
Birch Trees-Several varieties to choose from-most with interesting bark that is a show-stopper year-round.
Red Osier Dogwoods-A few different varieties to choose from and have stems that range from yellow to red in the winter.
If you are looking to add a pop of color and interest to your property in the winter-consider some of these winter plants. If you are fortunate enough to have some on your property already and have any questions on caring for them, please don’t hesitate to contact us at: 508-384-2992 or click here to reach us on the web.
