Winter Tree Maintenance
Pruning: Sometimes Necessary But Not Scary
.jpg "Pruning shears - photograph copyright G.T.M. Wüts")
Pruning trees is not difficult and may be necessary. However, there are a few questions you need to ask before reaching for pruning tools. First, why do you think the plant needs to be pruned? What goal do you want to achieve or problem do you want to eliminate? Next learn the best technique to accomplish the goal.
Here are the most common reasons why it is important to prune young trees:
- Remove dead, diseased, broken or weak branches
- Preemptively remove criss-crossing branches before they become a problem
- Create clear sight lines for safety around building entrances or traffic intersections
- Thin out excessively branching limbs to create more air for the canopy
Pruning takes practice, but it is unlikely that pruning mistakes will kill or permanently damage your tree. So give it a try! Go to the following links for some good how-to pruning information:
http://muextension.missouri.edu/xplor/agguides/hort/g06870.htm
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG0628.html
Photograph copyright G.T.M. Wüts.
Tree Wrap: Why We Do It and When to Remove It
Wrapping a tree in the winter is important, especially on smooth-barked trees like young basswood, red maple and aspen. These trees are sensitive to the swinging temperature winter can bring and are inclined to split on the southwestern side of the tree. As you can imagine, the winter sun can become quite warm on a fixed object, as the sun goes down, so does the temperature. That rapid contraction can cause the bark to split and cause real damage to your precious tree.
Another reason trees are given winter protection is because of their delicious bark! Rabbits and other tiny creatures are always on the lookout for food in the winter, when resources are scarce. Trees such as cherry, crabapple, hawthorn and plum are especially susceptible to damage by browsing creatures.
Generally tree protection can be removed in May when spring has officially sprung and the temperature is more moderate. It is very important to remove your winter tree protection as this can become a haven for uninvited guests like pests and disease.
Interested in more information regarding winter protection? Check out this link:
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG1411.html
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