Fall Tree Maintenance
Tree Wrap: Why we do it and when to remove it
Wrapping a tree in the late fall/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 need winter protection is because of their delicious bark! Rabbits and other tiny creatures are always on the look out 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 the University of Minnesota Extension's article on Protecting Trees and Shrubs Against Winter Damage.
How to keep evergreens... green
Did you know that newly planted evergreen trees need water applied to their root zone up until ground freeze? It's true! Evergreen trees like cedar, pine and spruce require additional water into the early winter to survive.
Over the winter, evergreen trees don't shut down the way deciduous trees do. The needles of evergreens continue doing what they do during the growing season (albeit to a lesser extent, of course!). How is this possible? In late fall, evergreen needles send water down to the roots to prepare them for the long dry period during the months the ground is frozen. Giving evergreen trees some additional drinks of water up until ground freeze will help the roots make it through the cold, dry winter.
If you have recently planted evergreens at your school, don't forget to give them some water weekly until the ground is frozen. Your evergreens will reward you in spring with continued green color and healthy new growth!
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