How to Winterize Newly Planted Trees

Do you need to learn how to winterize newly planted trees. The old rule of thumb in the forestry industry is that trees should always be planted or transplanted in the fall or spring, when the stress on the trees is minimal because there are no environmental factors of heat and cold that are present in the summer and winter months.   If you have recently planted some trees in the fall, you will want to make sure that you properly winterize the trees before the cold weather sets in. Winterizing is essential in order to ensure that the trees are not unduly stressed by their recent change in planting location or by the rapid onset of cold or inclement weather. 

There are several steps that should be taken in order to learn how to properly winterize newly planted trees to avoid death or damage to the trees. The steps include:

• Removing dead or problematic branches
• Spreading compost to protect the base
• Watering the trees when needed

Let's look in more detail at these steps for how to winterize newly planted trees.

Branch Removal

One of the most important steps that you can take to winterize trees, whether they are newly planted or already existing, is to remove any dead wood or other branches.

• Excess dead wood or branches might cause problems when confronted with snow or ice.
• The dead wood or branches might also serve as potential nesting spots for ants, termites, or other tree parasites. 
• By trimming away any dead wood or branches that are poorly supported and that might potentially crack and leave gaping wounds in the tree’s bark when placed under the added weight and pressure of snow and ice, you will be preparing the tree for its winter hibernation and helping to make sure that it does not have any issues.

Compost the Trunk and Roots

Another important step to learning how to winterize a newly planted tree is to spread compost, mulch, or other organic materials around the trunk and roots of the tree so that the soil is protected and covered. 

• These materials, when spread around the base of the tree, will decay and generate heat, thus keeping the soil around the tree’s roots from freezing
• In addition, as they decay, they will also release important nutrients into the soil that the tree can use in order to help feed it while it is hibernating through the winter. 
• Despite the fact that trees produce less energy in the winter than in the spring and summer months, they still need to have a source of nutrients to absorb while they are in hibernation - this compost or nutrient-rich material provides that source.

Watering the Tree

A final step that you can take to help preserve and protect your newly planted trees through the winter months is to water the trees if they need it. 

• If there is no precipitation from rain or snow melting into the ground, you will be helping your newly planted tree to thrive if you water it as needed throughout the winter.
• You will want to water sparingly, and only if the ground is not frozen, since the trees still need water but you don't want to water to excess.

So, now you know how to winterize newly planted trees. For more details about any needs your specific type of tree might have, it is a good idea to check with your local nursery.