Should You Winterize Your Trees?

How does nature “winterize” trees growing in nonurban situations? Nature is working with native trees that have evolved with the climate and have genetic characteristics to help them combat freezing temperatures.

Our urban and suburban landscapes are not wild environments with which trees evolved.  Fortunately, Virginia Beach averages 60 - 65⁰ F yearly, thanks to the Atlantic Ocean which buffers extreme temperatures. Even in our mild winters, our main task is keeping our trees healthy and vigorous. The tasks listed below help maintain our trees’ health.

• Fall fertilization typically does not predispose a healthy tree to winter injury, but fertilization should only be done according to recommendations on a soil test.
• Avoid improper pruning, including topping and shearing, any time throughout the year. In winter, your trees can be pruned for shaping and sizing when the trees are dormant. Pruning while the weather is warm or when sap is still flowing tells a tree to generate new growth, which is then susceptible to freezing temperatures.
• Proper mulching buffers the soil and helps prevent compaction and runoff in the root zone.
• Turn off the irrigation; however, trees can become desiccated during extended dry periods and may need supplemental watering.
• Pay particular attention to placement of deicing salts which can negatively affect the roots’ ability to uptake water.

Give your trees big hugs and cross your fingers there will be no big snowstorm this winter!