Keeping Trees Safe During Winter

Most people aren’t thinking about their landscaping during the winter – and the only tree they’re thinking about is probably the Christmas tree. Even though trees and other plants don’t grow during winter, it’s still important to keep them well-maintained so they’re stronger when spring returns.

Madison, WI winters can be harsh on trees. Snow and ice can weigh down limbs, increasing their risk of snapping – especially if they’re already weakened or sick. Unexpected breakages like this can cause expensive property damage or even serious injury. Keeping your trees in good shape during winter is an important part of preventing this – and that’s why Accurate Tree Services + H&H Arborists is always on hand to help.

If you’re experiencing a tree-related emergency, such as fallen limbs or an entire fallen tree, call us right away. We’re available 24/7 for emergency tree services.

The Importance of Winter Tree Care

So, why choose winter for tree maintenance? There are a few benefits you get from proactive maintenance outside of the growing seasons.

Increased Safety

Trees can be very dangerous if they aren’t kept up properly. If your tree is sick or dead, its limbs will be weaker and more likely to fall – but even if your tree is perfectly healthy, it could still be imbalanced and more susceptible to falling. Your tree might look perfectly fine from your perspective, but a certified arborist might be able to spot dangers that you would miss.

Give Your Trees a Head Start

Did you know that trees can experience stress? Just like people, stress is bad for a tree’s overall health. However, unlike people, trees “hibernate” – become dormant – during winter to save their strength for the growing season. Pruning and other upkeep tasks done while the tree is dormant will decrease the stress it experiences and decrease the impact on its overall health. Since pests are also less active during cold weather, there’s a decreased risk of infestation as well.

Structural Issues Are Easier to Spot

Since trees lose their leaves during winter – except for evergreens – it’s easier for an arborist to spot potential issues with your tree’s limbs. This could include decay, disease, pest damage, and more. This makes it easier to see what the tree needs to maintain its health.

What Goes Into a Professional Tree Assessment?

Accurate Tree Services + H&H Arborists’s tree care professionals will look for a few obvious signs that your tree needs some help during a tree assessment. A few of the visual signs we look for include:

• Cracked, split, or damaged trunks or branches.
• Signs of disease or pest infestation.
• Poor leaf growth.
• Root issues.

Once we finish our assessment, we’ll let you know what needs to be done – whether it’s pruning, cabling, or anything else. Our goal is to protect your trees, as well as you and your property.

How You Can Help Keep Your Trees Healthy

While professional assistance is the best way to keep your trees healthy, make sure to keep an eye out for problems that might arise between visits.

• Look for peeling or damaged bark. Bark is like a tree’s “skin,” and just like in humans, injuries to this “skin” can open it up to illness.
• Keep an eye out for damaged or dead limbs that might be likely to fall. Call Accurate Tree Services + H&H Arborists right away if you notice any.

No matter what time of year it is, the Accurate Tree Services + H&H Arborists team is always ready to help! If your trees need any care, you can count on us.

Protect Your Trees With Help From Accurate Tree Services + H&H Arborists

Tree care isn’t just about looks – though that is a nice bonus. It’s also an important part of making sure your yard is safe and protected from tree-related damage. As you hunker down for the holidays, consider your trees as well. Gifting them a bit of extra maintenance during the cold weather will help them come back better than ever when the weather warms again.

The Accurate Tree Services + H&H Arborists team has been helping Madison, WI residents keep their trees looking (and growing) their best. Since we got our start in 1985, we’ve brought you the best in tree care services, and we plan to keep going for years to come.

Give us a call to get set up with a free estimate!