The trees on your property do much more than provide you with needed shade all summer long. They add beauty to your yard and increase the value of your home. As the snowy months approach us, Rentokil is here to share some tips to help you prepare your trees for the onslaught of snow we might be facing this winter.

Prune Tree Branches for Winter

The dead branches found in your tree should always be removed at the beginning of summer. Your tree should be well-pruned for their species. Now is a good time to evaluate your tree for any branches that may cause problems for walkways or your home. If there are any problem areas, this is a good time to prune them back.

Apply Mulch Around Trees

When the ground gets cold and warm repeatedly, it can cause the soil to expand and contract. This can mean problems for your tree’s root system. To solve it, place 2-3 inches of mulch around the base of your tree. This shouldn’t be right up against the trunk, because your tree needs to be able to breathe. When you are done, the mulch should be applied in a volcano shape. This mulch may have to be reapplied as the winter trudges on.

Wrap Tree Trunks

This trick is especially helpful when you have a young tree. To avoid sunscald, which is an injury caused by fluctuating winter temperatures, you need to wrap young trunks with a light-colored crepe paper-like material to keep the trunk safe. Wrap just up to the bottom of the branches. This can also help to keep hungry critters from snacking on your tree throughout the winter months as well.

Best Ice Melt for Trees; Potassium, Magnesium Chloride or Calcium

Many ice melts can cause serious damage to your landscaping. It is no different when it comes to your trees. When you are choosing the ice melts you are going to use for your home, choose those that contain potassium, magnesium chloride or calcium. Normal rock salt will interfere with the plants’ natural ability to absorb water, oxygen and other necessary nutrients.

Remove Excess Snow on Tree Branches

In the case that a particularly heavy snowstorm does hit, be aware of the amount of snow found on the branches of your tree. Especially as the leaves start to bud in the spring and a late snowstorm hits. You will want to remove any excessive snow that is burdening the limbs of your tree by gently shaking the branch to remove it.

Keep Squirrels, Raccoons & Other Critters Away

Many food sources are limited for small critters on your property during the winter. You may need to invest in wire mesh to wrap around the bottom of your trees to help keep critters from stealing a snack from your tree and causing damage.

Tree & Shrub Care

If you don’t have the time and tools needed to get your trees ready for the snow, you can count on Rentokil to do it for you. Call us today!