It is difficult to know what type of storms this winter will bring. While the Farmer's Almanac predicts colder winter weather with lower than normal snowfall, it is only a guess and Mother Nature may have other ideas!

Now is the time to take a good long look at your trees. Are branches inching too close to the house or overhead lines? Are there cracks in major limbs or hangers in the tree canopy? Did the tree canopy leaf out this year? These are important indicators  that your tree could suffer damage during the next storm and may pose a hazard to your home and landscape. Certain species of trees such as birch, silver maples, bradford pears, poplars and Chinese elms are more susceptible to storm damage due to their brittle wood.
 
Making sure your trees are properly thinned, pruned and healthy are important to the trees survival for the next storm. Make an appointment with your Certified Arborist and make sure your trees are ready for winter storms.

When you meet with a Certified Arborist, you may feel like they are speaking another language. Like any industry, your Arborist has their own lingo. Here is a quick guide and definitions of what you may hear during an estimate: 

 

Clean: This process involves the removal of dead, diseased or broken branches. These types of tree branches will be the first to fall during high winds or storms and can cause damage to your property.

Thin: Tree canopies can become too dense. Selective removal of branches within the trees' canopy will lessen the density and allow air to pass through easily.

Raise: When branches hang too low to allow pedestrian and vehicles to safely pass under, then your Arborists will recommend that the tree be raised. This involves the removal of selective lower branches to allow clearance.

Reduce: Trees and shrubs too close to your home, outdoor buildings, neighbors or other trees should be reduced. This consists in reducing the height and/or spread of the tree.

 

Finally, one term you should never hear from a Certified Arborist is topping. Although a common practice some forty years ago, topping is the removal of over half a tree's canopy which can severely damage or even kill a tree. Topped trees are weaker, more prone to disease and insects, and rapid growth of smaller shoots can make the tree less stable.   

Purchasing a tree can be a considerable expense. There are a few steps you should take to give new trees every advantage to establish roots and thrive during the winter months.

Wrap young tree trunks. Trees such as maples and lindens are thin-barked and can split in extreme cold weather. Split bark can be an invitation to insects and disease. A tree wrap can be placed around the main trunk and protect the tree from cold temperatures as well as rabbits and squirrels.

Another step is mulch. Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the tree will insulate the soil while protecting the new root system. Professionals recommend 2-4 inches deep and not placed too close to the base of the tree.

Trees not only add curb appeal but value to your home. Make sure that you are giving them every advantage to thrive. Contact you local Arbor Masters® and let them help you protect your valuable trees.