Arborist in Crestview, FL Shares Winter Tree Care Tips

As winter weather blows in, it is time to prepare trees for colder weather. Although Florida winters are comparatively not as cold as other regions in the country, weather patterns change frequently and can be unpredictable. Therefore, it is wise to prepare for extreme weather and worst-case scenarios so that trees do not endanger power lines, homes, driveways, or other structures. New Leaf Arboriculture, an arborist in Crestview, FL, is sharing tree service and tree care tips to help Florida residents preserve the health of their trees and prevent costly accidents.

Pruning Tips

Pruning trees minimizes hazards from branches that fall due to old age, freezing, or ice accumulation. Winter is one of the best times of year to prune trees since trees are not in an active growth cycle during this time. When a tree is cut into, it does not heal. Instead, it compartmentalizes by walling off decay. Each “wound” created on a tree takes energy to compartmentalize. When pruning is performed in the colder months, trees are going into their next growth cycle and use less energy to compartmentalize. Heavier pruning cycles can overstress trees when done during active growth cycles in spring and summer. The winter dormant period provides an optimal opportunity for pruning, especially if the tree has not been regularly maintained. When pruning is done correctly at the appropriate time of the year, there will be new growth when spring arrives. While homeowners can perform simple pruning, any large-scale pruning project should be undertaken by a professional arborist who understands safety concerns, aesthetic considerations, and the unique needs of various tree species.

Mulching Tips

New mulching may be required for a property owner’s trees to maintain proper temperature and water levels. Cold ground and soil can damage and weaken trees. Ensuring good levels of mulch and protecting trees with blankets or other techniques can help keep the greenery in good health through the winter.

Fertilizer Tips

The New Leaf Arboriculture team generally does not recommend that people use fertilizer on their trees during winter. The moderate temperatures can encourage fungal growth at a time when trees are the most susceptible to fungus.

Irrigation Tips

During winter, homeowners need to calibrate their irrigation system. Ice can cause irreparable damage to root systems and can cause limbs to become brittle and susceptible to breaking. People do not want to layer their trees with water that will turn to ice. A consult with a Crestview tree service company can help homeowners learn best practices for wintertime irrigation.

Trees require a little extra care over the cold months to ensure that they live long and healthy lives. When homeowners trust New Leaf Arboriculture with scheduled winter tree care and maintenance, they can have confidence in the team of knowledgeable, qualified arborists who strive to abide by the most thorough safety practices. Owned by an ISA Certified Arborist ®, New Leaf Arboriculture offers seasonal tree care services that provide property owners with peace of mind.

New Leaf Arboriculture is a Crestview, FL tree service company that provides arboricultural solutions to area property owners. Services include consulting, planting, tree removal, seasonal tree care, pruning, trimming, mulching, organic fertilizing, and vegetation management.

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For more information about winter tree care in Crestview, FL, visit the New Leaf Arboriculture website at https://newleafarboriculture.com. To request a free estimate, call 1 (850) 225-1411.

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