Mornings are getting cooler and the days shorter, Winter is here! We may not experience the full force of winter like other parts of the country, but there are still seasonal changes that affect trees. When you prune trees in winter, it has significant benefits to both the aesthetics and health of your trees.
Why Prune Trees In Winter?
Longer Lasting Results
Trees have a slower growth rate in colder months. Pruning carried out during winter provides lasting results, particularly when pruning to reduce overhang away from properties, walkways and to improve views.
Encourage Blossoms
It’s best to prune flowering trees such as Poincianas and Jacarandas while dormant. When pruned correctly, it can encourage vigorous floral growth come springtime.
Safety
Winter makes it easy to identify and remove deadwood from trees. Deadwood is dead, dying or weak branches throughout a tree’s canopy. Removing deadwood from a tree significantly reduces the risk of branch failure and limits the amount of debris that falls out of trees in high winds and storms.
What Can You Do At Home To Improve Your Trees Health?
While major tree maintenance such as tree pruning requires the skills of a professional Arborist, there are still plenty of ways you can improve the health of your trees at home.
Mulch
Placing a small amount of mulch around the base of your tree is an easy and cost-effective way of improving the health of your tree. As well as helping the soil retain moisture, mulch is also a natural insulator, keeping the ground cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Mulch is a natural, recyclable product that helps keep weeds at bay and adds to the overall aesthetic of your gardens.
Fertilisers
Winter is the perfect time to give your soil the added nutrients it needs to keep your trees happy and healthy during the dry winter months. Treatments, such as composts and organic soil mixes are affordable and readily available. Adding compost or soil mixes to the existing soil will help add much-needed nutrients, aid in moisture retention and encourage new growth.
Remember always to use a qualified Arborist to undertake any tree pruning. If we can help with your tree pruning over winter, please feel free to contact us with your enquiries.
