Winter Tree Care: Preparing Your Trees for the Cold Months

As temperatures drop across Oxfordshire, it’s time to think about how winter affects your trees. While trees are remarkably resilient, a little preparation can help them thrive through the cold months and emerge healthy in spring.

Why Winter Tree Care Matters

Winter presents unique challenges for trees. Frost, snow, ice, and cold winds can all cause damage, particularly to younger trees or those already stressed. Taking preventive action now can save costly repairs later.

Essential Winter Tree Care Tips

1. Inspect for Damage

Before winter sets in, walk around your property and inspect your trees for:

• Dead or dying branches that could fall under snow weight
• Cracks in the trunk or major limbs
• Signs of disease or pest damage
• Loose bark that could harbour pests

2. Prune Strategically

Winter is actually an excellent time for tree pruning on many species. With leaves gone from deciduous trees, it’s easier to see the branch structure and identify problem areas.

Good candidates for winter pruning:

• Oak trees (reduces risk of oak wilt)
• Fruit trees (promotes spring growth)
• Most deciduous shade trees

Wait until spring for:

• Spring-flowering trees (prune after they bloom)
• Birch and maple (can “bleed” sap if pruned in late winter)

3. Protect Young Trees

Newly planted trees are particularly vulnerable to winter damage. Consider:

• Mulching: Apply 5-10cm of mulch around the base (but not touching the trunk) to insulate roots
• Wrapping: Use tree wrap on young, thin-barked trees to prevent frost cracks
• Staking: Ensure stakes are secure but allow some movement for trunk strengthening

4. Water Before Hard Frost

Trees still need water in winter, especially evergreens. Water deeply before the ground freezes to ensure roots have adequate moisture to sustain the tree through dormancy.

When to Call a Professional

Some winter tree care tasks require professional expertise:

• Removing large dead branches near power lines or buildings
• Treating trees showing signs of disease
• Pruning mature trees that require climbing
• Emergency storm damage response

Need Help Preparing Your Trees?

Our team of qualified arborists can assess your trees and recommend the best winter care plan. We offer free consultations and can handle everything from routine pruning to emergency storm response.

Contact us today to schedule your winter tree inspection.