With the hustle-and-bustle of the holidays quickly approaching, our team at MAPM Tree Services wanted to share winter preparation best practices that will result in the continued health of your trees, shrubs and bushes during the cold, blustery winter.

Generally speaking, most trees, shrubs and bushes on residential and commercial property require regular maintenance in order to minimize any potential winter weather damage.  Storms, gusting winds and temperature fluctuations during a typical Pennsylvania winter can all wreak havoc on our most treasured assets – our outdoor landscaping.

Although we cannot change the weather, there are, indeed, simple things that we can do to minimize the impact of the winter weather. 

Some best practices include:

• Although it is not strictly a winter preparation tip, it is always a good idea to maintain good tree upkeep throughout the year.  Strong healthy trees will always have an easier time with the winter elements than weak and damaged ones.
• Remember to prune only after your trees have entered dormancy — after the risk of new growth.
• Apply a good fall fertilizer that promotes root growth over leaf growth.
• Shield new plants from the winter elements with mounds of compost, or wrap them in leaf-filled burlap.
• Wrap rose bushes securely with burlap and fill with straw.
• Create pole and burlap shelters for delicate shrubbery.
• Spread a 2- or 3-inch layer of mulch around tree bases, not touching the trunk.
• Consider spraying plants that are sensitive to water damage with a desiccant.
• Leave evergreen shrubs and trees just as they are.

Each of these strategies will help protect your trees, shrubs and bushes from the impending winter weather.  Although you can’t change the weather, you can minimize its effects.