General Winter Care for Your Trees, Shrubs, Ornamentals, and Lawn Seasonal Care Winter Threats to Trees, Shrubs, and Lawns Protecting trees in winter requires understanding the unique challenges the season brings. Many trees and shrubs will be fine without any special action. But for young, newly planted, or exposed trees and shrubs, proactive care can help prevent moisture loss or root damage caused by freezing temperatures, wind, or snow. This guide will help you protect your landscape in winter and ensure it thrives when spring finally arrives. Protecting Your Trees from Winter Stress Some treatments we recommend to protect trees in winter include: Wrap and Shield Vulnerable Trees and Plants: Young trees and thin-barked species like maples and fruit trees benefit from trunk wraps that prevent sunscald and frost cracks. Trees with exposed southwestern sides are especially vulnerable. Apply wraps in late fall, then remove them in early spring to prevent moisture buildup and pests. Mulch: Wait until after after fall’s first hard frost, when soil temperatures consistently cool in fall, or once trees have slowed vegetative growth (depending on your region), then apply 2-4 inches of organic mulch around the base of trees, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and pest issues. Water During Dry Spells: During extended periods without snow or rain, winter trees can experience drought stress, especially evergreens that continue losing moisture through their needles. Water deeply when the ground isn't frozen and temperatures are above 40°F, focusing on newly planted trees, evergreens, and trees in exposed locations. Apply anti-desiccant sprays if needed to help evergreens overexposed to sun or wind. In mild-winter climates, winter watering is especially important, as trees may continue to transpire on warm days.” Prepare for Winter Storms: Heavy snow and ice can snap branches and topple trees, causing property damage and safety hazards. Before the first major winter storm hits, ask your arborist to inspect your trees for weak limbs, poor attachment points, and deadwood that could break under heavy snow. Typical recommendations include pruning branches that may threaten structures, power lines, or walkways, and installing cabling or bracing systems to support trees with split trunks or weak branch unions. Pruning for Safety in Winter and Vibrancy in Spring Winter pruning offers many benefits for your trees and overall landscape. It’s a great time to prune many species since bare branches make it easier to see the tree’s structure and make precise cuts. We typically look for dead or diseased limbs, crossed branches, or growth that blocks sunlight or airflow. Removing branches like these in winter helps improve the tree’s overall structure and health, allowing it to direct resources more efficiently toward new growth in spring rather than maintaining dead, diseased, or unproductive wood. But winter pruning isn't right for every tree. Spring-flowering trees and ornamentals like dogwood, magnolia, cherry, and lilac should not be pruned in winter, as this can prevent them from budding that year. Instead, ornamentals should be pruned right after they bloom in spring. In warmer regions where trees do not fully go dormant, timing may vary slightly depending on species and local growth cycles. Pruning can be a big job, especially on larger properties. If you’re unsure where to start, it’s best to consult with a certified arborist. Protecting Your Trees and Shrubs from Winter and Overwintering Insects Insects like scale, mites, and adelgids can remain active on evergreens and ornamental trees, especially on stressed trees and during milder winters in cold areas, and will remain active all winter in warmer regions. When these insects feed, they weaken plants, leaving them more vulnerable to stress and tree diseases, sometimes leading to tree removal. Insects that survive milder winters also emerge stronger in the spring, which can lead to an increase in the population of ticks, bark beetles, and others as the weather warms. To protect your trees from insect infestations during winter months, inspect them regularly and call an arborist if you find sticky residue, black sooty mold, or insects themselves. Winter Care for your Lawn Winter can be tough on lawns. But taking a few preventive steps now—whether your property has warm or cool-season grasses—can help ensure a greener, healthier lawn once warm weather returns. Cool-Season Winter Grass Care While winter trees enter dormancy in colder months, cool-season grasses like fescue, ryegrass, and bluegrass stay semi-active through winter in many regions. These grasses are what make up your lawn if you live in in the northern half of the U.S., including regions like the Northeast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest. These grasses don’t need much mowing while dormant, but it’s important to make sure they’re not smothered by leaves, sticks, and debris. Instead of heavy raking, aim for balance. Clear away thick piles of leaves, sticks, and debris that could smother the grass, but leave a light layer to break down naturally and enrich the soil. This kind of fall clean-up will help your lawn stay healthy until spring. Warm Season Winter Grass Care Warm-season grasses like Bermuda grass, zoysia, and St. Augustine, are found in warm and hot climates, typically in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 11, with some variation. While they’re unlikely to be covered by heavy snow, they stop growing until warmer weather returns. That means they don’t grow until temperatures rise again. But they still need some protection and care from attentive homeowners and landscape teams. To make sure your warm-season grass bounces back along with spring temperatures, follow the tips below: Keep It Tidy: Rake and remove debris to discourage pests and mold, but leave a light layer of organic matter to decompose and enrich the soil Raise Mower Height: If you mow before dormancy, leave grass slightly taller to insulate the soil. Watch for Weeds: Winter annuals like chickweed can invade dormant lawns, so consider late season weed control before soil temperatures consistently cool in fall, or once trees have slowed vegetative growth. Need Help Protecting Your Landscape This Winter? Now you know what to look for and consider to care for your landscape in cooler temperatures and winter weather. If you have any questions on how to protect your specific trees, shrubs, and/or lawn, consult with an ISA Certified arborist before the first cold snap hits. A customized winter care plan ensures your trees, shrubs, and lawn stay healthy, protected, and ready to thrive when spring returns. Schedule a free consultation today and let our experts protect your property this winter. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an expert arborist.