This time of year, folks with artificial grass lawns revel in the fact that they no longer have to worry about winterizing their lawn. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore your entire landscape. Although you may have already raked leaves, cut back perennials, tidied your flower beds, and so on, did you forget about your trees?
It’s easy to assume that something as big and sturdy as a tree can fend for itself over the winter months. And, while that may be technically true, trees are a major investment in the beauty of your landscape, enjoyment of your outdoor living spaces, and the financial value of your home. So it’s smart to give them a helping hand to keep them healthy and strong all year long.
Weather experts are predicting a warmer and drier than normal winter for us in the Bay Area. In a perverse way, that’s good news for your trees, because excessive cold poses extra dangers for them. However, even if we don’t have to worry about frigid temperatures, there is still the possibility of an early frost. This can shock trees that have been enjoying the warm weather and are still growing, causing that new growth to die back.
Do these things to protect your trees:
Different types of fruit trees have different pruning requirements. Citrus are different from deciduous trees such as apples or pears. Stone fruits such as plums, apricots, and cherries each have their own pruning needs. Do you have dates? Yum. Those palms need special pruning, too.
Dormant sprays can protect fruit trees from pest and disease infestations. The oily sprays coat the twigs and branches to fend off everything from mites, scale and aphids to some types of insect eggs.
Experienced professional arborists know what to look for and how to deal with it, whereas well-intended pruning mistakes can permanently damage your tree.
With proper preparation for winter, your trees will weather whatever comes their way. And next spring you will be rewarded with beautiful, healthy new growth and, if you have fruit trees, with colorful, edible bounty.