Winter tree care is about observation, protection, and planning. While trees may appear dormant, what you do or don’t do during the winter months can significantly influence their health, safety, and performance in spring. The leafless season provides a valuable opportunity to evaluate trees more clearly and address potential concerns before the growing season begins.
Inspect Tree Canopies
Without leaves obscuring the view, winter is an ideal time to examine tree canopies for obvious dead branches, broken branches, cracked limbs, or split branch unions. Pay close attention to limbs overhanging homes, driveways, sidewalks, and play areas. Identifying structural concerns now can help reduce the risk of storm-related failures later.
Refresh Mulch in Tree Rings
Winter and early spring are excellent times to replenish mulch around trees, as perennials and turf have not yet emerged. Apply mulch 2–3 inches deep, keep it level, and pull it back from the trunk. Avoiding the common “mulch volcano.” Proper mulching helps insulate roots from temperature fluctuations, reduces moisture loss, and supports healthy root systems, which are critical for strong spring growth.
Check for Visible Trunk Flare
Take a look at the base of your trees. The trunk should widen where it meets the soil, known as the trunk flare. If the trunk disappears straight into the ground, gently pull back excess soil or mulch. Exposing the trunk flare promotes proper gas exchange and reduces the risk of decay, girdling roots, and whole host of other health related concerns.
Remove Girdling Objects
Inspect trees for anything that could restrict growth or damage bark, such as old stakes and ties, chains, wires, dog tethers, holiday lights, or bird feeders attached directly to the tree. Over time, these items can girdle trunks or branches, causing long-term structural and health issues.
Watch for Wildlife Impacts
Winter wildlife activity can leave lasting damage. Check for bark chewing or girdling near the base of trunks, as well as, heavy deer browsing on young trees and shrubs. Winter is also a good time to spot stinging insect nests in bare canopies. Nests located in low-traffic areas can often be left undisturbed, but those near sidewalks, driveways, or children’s play areas should be evaluated for removal to reduce safety risks.
Observe Drainage and Water Movement
Snowmelt, winter thaws, and early spring rains reveal important information about how water moves across your property. Take note of areas where water pools, drains poorly, or remain icy or soggy. Poor drainage can stress tree roots and lead to decline over time. These observations are valuable for future planting decisions, soil improvements, and drainage corrections.
Plan Ahead for Construction or Landscape Projects
If construction or major landscaping is planned, winter is the best time to involve an arborist. Early planning allows for tree preservation strategies, such as establishing root protection zones, performing pre-construction pruning, or root pruning when appropriate. Proactive planning can prevent irreversible damage to valuable trees during construction.
Schedule a Professional Tree Evaluation
Consider scheduling a visit with an ISA Certified Arborist to review the trees on your property. An arborist can help identify dead limbs, weak branch unions, structural defects, and potential plant health care needs. Be sure to share any observations from the previous growing season such as late leaf-out, early leaf drop, thin canopies, or discoloration as these details can provide important clues about underlying issues.
Taking a few intentional steps during the dormant season positions trees to leaf out healthier, safer, and more resilient when spring arrives. Winter may be quiet in the landscape, but it is one of the most valuable times to care for your trees and plan for their long-term success.