Caring for Trees During the Winter
In the Midwest, winter is the time to hibernate and dream about the warmer weather. That is unless you want a lush landscape and colorful plantings come springtime. To make the vision of perfect plantings a reality, you have important work to do. Winter is the best time to brave the cold and prune many of your trees, bushes, and flowering plants.
We’re sure you may be skeptical and have questions about winter pruning. Here are some answers to some common questions to get you headed in the right direction:
What is pruning?
Pruning is the cutting away dead or overgrown branches on trees and shrubs. It encourages healthy growth, resulting in thicker, more attractive foliage and more abundant flowers come spring. Pruning also helps your plants defend against disease, fungi, and insects.
Can I prune my trees during the winter?
The simple answer is yes, and here’s why. Winter is the best time to prune when most trees and plants are dormant. Since the branches are bare, it allows you to clearly see the framework of your trees and shrubs. the Pruning during the winter allows you drop-cut branches with minimal damage to the surrounding landscape. There is a higher risk of harming plants and grass pruning in the other seasons. The risk of spreading insects and fungi is also lower, as they lay dormant until the weather warms up.
What trees should I prune and how do I know if they need pruning?
It’s safe (and recommended) to prune these common trees in the winter: birch, oak, hickory, dogwood, and PeeGee hydrangea. The Old Farmer’s Almanac offers a comprehensive list of trees and plantings that should be pruning during the winter.
If you are wondering whether or not your trees need pruning this winter, here are some things to look for:
- Dead or dying branches
- Crossing or rubbing branches, especially those growing inward toward the canopy
- Branches that pose a potential hazard to the area streets and the surrounding property
- Branches that are growing faster than the rest of the tree
How do I prune my trees and shrubs?
Pruning can seem daunting, especially if you’re doing so for the first time. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:
- Use the right tools for the job. The right tools make pruning easier and help you do a good job. Keeping tools well-maintained and sharp will help you work more efficiently and improve performance. Recommended tools include hand shears for small branches up to ¼" in diameter, lopping shears for branches up to 1 ½" in diameter, pruning saws for branches over 1" in diameter, pole pruners for branches beyond your reach.
- Follow the four D’s. The four D’s of pruning mean you can remove anything on a tree or plant that is dead, diseased, dying, or damaged. If branches that fall into these categories, it causes more stress and potential damage to the plant when left attached. Trimming them allows the plant to spend energy on healing and preparing for growth in the spring.
- Follow the framework. Take notice of lines of the branches and the natural structure of the plant as it grows from the base. Use this as a blueprint for where to trim or remove branches.
I just pruned my trees. How do I prevent wildlife damage?
Viewing deer and rabbits in your yard can add to the beauty of the season until they start nibbling on your freshly pruned landscape. Here are ways you can protect your trees and shrubs:
- Fencing. Although not the most practical choice, fencing is the best way to prevent damage from wildlife. A four-to-five-foot high fence around your planting beds will keep the rabbits out. To keep deer out of your garden area, install a fence with strands of fishing line at one foot and three feet above the ground.
- Motion sensors. Sounds or lights triggered by motion sensors are effective in urban areas. Other scare tactics are less effective as wildlife are used to human sounds and scents.
- Repellents. Repellents that make your shrubs and plants smell or taste bad to animals can also help. We recommend Plantskydd, a non-toxic and chemical-free repellent, is safe for use on all landscaping including vegetables. For the best results, apply to your landscaping before the deer and rabbits start feeding on it.
Our certified staff and Illinois Certified Nurseryman can answer all your landscaping and gardening questions. Stop by Winding Creek Nursery for a variety of trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, and vegetable plants as well as home and garden decor. Visit our website or call us at 630-553-7211 to learn more!
Sources
https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2019-02-18-winter-tree-pruning
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs
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