There's no foolproof way to protect your trees from the winter elements when you're a resident of Rochester, MN. Some saplings can be covered, and some weak trunks can be reinforced, but winter will always do whatever winter wants to do. The tree health professionals with Maier Tree and Lawn want to make sure that all winter tree care novices know how to identify the difference between normal winter wear and serious tree damage in the coldest months of the year.
Tree care in the winter is generally pretty hands-off. The natural process of a healthy tree allows it to protect itself in the winter thanks to its sturdy, dormant state. However, not all winter tree care risks are created equal. A little cold and snow shouldn't damage the core health of the tree, but extreme conditions can definitely have an impact.
When winter comes in with a vengeance like it did this year, sometimes your trees take the brunt of the seasonal damage right away. Freezing rain and sudden ice storms can do a number on trees that haven't lost all of their foliage yet as well as trees that can't bear the weight of the ice and snow. The sheer weight of winter weather can be enough to break branches, strip bark, and topple vulnerable boughs.
If you're concerned about a tree's health after a winter storm, be sure to consult tree care professionals instead of attempting to de-ice the tree yourself. If the temperature is still below freezing, standing beneath the branches and trying to free them from ice makes you a target for falling debris. This is especially dangerous if large branches have been severed and are only being held up by the ice itself.
For winter tree health concerns and tree care assistance, contact us as Maier Tree and Lawn for information or to make an appointment. Residents of Rochester, MN, can call today at (507) 286-8733 or visit our website here for more information today.
