It may be the most wonderful time of year indoors…but outdoors, it’s another story. 

Winter presents a unique set of challenges when it comes for caring for your trees. Harsh weather, snow and ice, and dry conditions can all take their toll. Being prepared and proactive can help you protect your trees throughout the winter months. This article examines six common winter tree care problems and provides practical solutions, so you’re ready before the snow flies. 

Solving common winter tree care problems

From proper hydration during winter to warding off ice damage, here are solutions to handle this season’s most common winter tree care problems. 

Problem #1: Winter Desiccation

Desiccated is another word for dry. If you’ve ever noticed the skin on your hands cracking during the winter, you know firsthand (go on, groan) that winter in the Midwest is truly a dry season. And the further the temperatures plunge, the drier it gets. Proper hydration is crucial for your trees, especially for evergreens. After a dry summer like the one we have had, it’s especially important to ensure your trees are well-watered. 

Solution: Winter Watering

Water your trees deeply before the ground freezes to ensure they have access to moisture throughout the winter months. Consider using anti-desiccant sprays on evergreen trees and shrubs to help reduce moisture loss through needles. Anti-desiccant sprays create a protective barrier that can help to lessen water evaporation. 

Problem #2: Snow and Ice Damage

Ice storms and heavy snowfall can wreak havoc on your trees, costing them life and limb—literally. Help your trees avoid this fate with some proactive pruning. 

Solution: Proper Pruning

Prune trees during their dormant period (winter) to remove weak, diseased, or dead branches. These can all spell danger under the weight of snow or ice. If you have larger, older trees on your property, inspect them for weak branch unions. These can be cabled or braced during the winter months for added support for heavy or weak limbs.  

Problem #3: Salt Damage

Most communities heavily salt the roads during the winter. It’s easy to see why: safety comes first. All that salt, though, can be very bad for trees. Parkway trees are especially vulnerable to salt damage, as frequent snowplowing tosses drifts onto their trunks and road systems. Look for signs of damage on the tree’s road-facing side to confirm salt exposure (and its effects). 

Solution: Minimize Salt Exposure

A couple of easy steps can help you protect your trees, including those on the parkway. First, apply a layer of mulch around your trees before it snows to create a barrier between the soil and the salt-laden snow. This reduces the risk of salt damage. 

Whether or not you have mulched, take some time to shovel large snowdrifts of salt-laden snow away from your trees. This can help to reduce the salt exposure. 

Finally, if you are planning landscaping, opt for tree species that are tolerant of salt exposure. These include common juniper, eastern red cedar, mugo pines, and longleaf pines. These trees are hardy in zones 3 to 7 (northern Illinois is located in Zone 5A) and are also more drought-resistant than other species.

Problem #4: Frost Cracks and Sunscald

While you are cozy inside, your trees are outside taking on the full force of the elements, all season long. Young trees are susceptible to frost damage. Trees of any age and type can be affected by sunscald, which is damage to the bark caused by rapid temperature fluctuations between day and night. 

Solution: Trunk Protection

Wrap the trunks of young trees with burlap or commercial tree wraps. These wrappings protect them from rapid temperature changes that can contribute to frost cracks. Consider using reflective tree guards to counter sunscald and protect trees’ bark. 

Problem #5: Pest Infestations

Winter’s sparser foliage provides a great opportunity for you to more closely inspect your trees and shrubs. Look for eggs, larvae, or nests that indicate a pest infestation, as these signs might be more visible during the winter months. 

Solution: Early Detection and Treatment

If you suspect an insect or rodent infestation, early treatment can mean the difference between saving and losing a tree and containing a spread. Consult a certified arborist for diagnosis and treatment options. 

Problem #6: Deer and Rodent Damage

Winter is a lean season for all animals. Rodents and deer might turn to your trees as a source of calories during winter’s coldest weeks. 

Solution: Take Protective Measures

Prevent nibbling of branches and trunks during the lean months by installing physical barriers like tree guards or netting. You might also apply natural or commercial repellents to deter deer. These create an unpleasant taste or smell. Common effective natural repellents include scented bar soap, coffee grounds, chili pepper, and herbs like mint or chives. 

Winter weather can be harsh—on us and on our trees—but you can ensure the health and well-being of your trees during the dormant season. With a little preparation, you can counter the effects of desiccation, salt exposure, and opportunistic deer dining, so your trees look beautiful when spring rolls around. 

Looking for guidance on solving common winter tree care problems? We can help. Advanced Tree Care combines top-notch equipment, cutting-edge technology, and well-trained staff to provide emergency tree removal and tree maintenance services. With a presence in nine counties and two states, we work daily to provide unparalleled customer service, safety, and efficiency—as well as the expertise to beautify your landscaping and community. Advanced Tree Care isn’t just our name—it’s also our purpose!

Read the article by Mike Bramucci, owner of Advanced Tree Care, on the Landscape Business website.

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You’ve worked hard to build a thriving landscape business. You already know that holding onto your customers is easier (and costs less) than finding new clients, but the seasonal nature of this business can make staying busy and profitable a challenge.

This is where educating your customers can help. Homeowners want to take care of their property — and their investment in it. Many place real value on improving curb appeal despite the changing seasons. Providing guidance on seasonal tree and plant care, as well as tree health, can help you upsell services and hold onto your clients.

The key is to streamline this ongoing education so that you and your staff can continue to focus on your core business. Here’s how to do it.

Create and share seasonal tree and plant care checklists

Like all of us, homeowners are busy. They aren’t tracking when it’s time to fertilize, water or prune. By guiding them on proper seasonal tree and plant care, you can provide additional value — and help them keep their property beautiful and its curb appeal high.

As the seasons change, reach out to your customers to share seasonal care tips. These can be delivered via email, provided via door hangers, and discussed in person when your crews are on site. Check out these sample seasonal care checklists appropriate for zones with cold winters and warm summers.

Fall: Preparing your landscape for winter

Proper seasonal plant care is not just about a fall clean-up and a tidy yard. It’s about proactive care to ensure the well-being of your trees and shrubs during the harsh weather to come.

• Mulch. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your trees, extending it a few feet from the trunk. Avoid mounding the mulch at the base of the trunk.
• Water. Winter is a very dry season. Water your trees regularly and deeply, with a low, slow flow, right up until the ground freezes.
• Prune. Proper pruning reduces the risk of branch breakage, improves air circulation, and reduces the risk of certain fungal diseases. Prune dead, diseased, overhanging or weakened branches, but don’t prune newly planted trees unless disease or damage requires it.
• Protect. Wrap young trees’ trunks with tree wraps or hardware cloth to protect them from nibbling rodents and deer seeking food during the cold months. Stake trees that will need extra support from winter storms and wind; use soft materials and leave enough flexibility for the tree to sway slightly.

Winter: Tree care tips

Winter can be a stressful season for trees. Freezing temperatures, dry air, and prolonged exposure to ice can stress your trees. Preventive and ongoing winter tree care can help to reduce the risk of damage.

• Water. Water trees and shrubs regularly up until the ground freezes to ensure they have a reservoir to draw on during the dry months to come.
• Minimize salt exposure. Parkway trees are especially vulnerable to salt damage, as frequent snowplowing tosses drifts onto their trunks and road systems. Apply a layer of mulch around trees before it snows. After each snowfall, shovel large snowdrifts of salt-laden snow away from trees to reduce salt exposure.
• Cable or brace. Ice storms and heavy snow can increase stress on tree limbs. Consider cabling or bracing weakened, heavy, or overhanging limbs and branches.
• Protect tree trunks. Use trunk wraps and reflective tree guards to counter sunscald and frost cracks to protect young or vulnerable trees.

Spring: Preparing your landscape for the growing season

Deciduous trees and shrubs start to emerge from dormancy as early as February. You’ll first notice small buds, then early leaf growth before trees flower in April, May or June.

• Inspect. Examine trees before they fully leaf out. Look for cracked, broken, or diseased branches or signs of insect infestation.
• Prune. Consult a certified arborist on the best time to prune trees on your property.
• Remove. If any of your trees died or were damaged by winter weather, spring is a good time to remove them. Your tree care professionals are ready to help.
• Plan. Adding to your landscape? Spring is the ideal time to plant new trees to give them time to grow and establish a strong root system during the growing season. Consult your certified arborist for help choosing the right trees for your hardiness zone and landscape.

You can also provide ongoing advice on proper watering techniques, the best tree and plant species for your area and more. When your customers admire their properties in full leaf, they’ll know that you and your team are worth the investment.

Mike Bramucci is president of Advanced Tree Care, one of the largest tree service firms in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana tri-state area. A certified arborist, Bramucci founded the company in 2008. Advanced Tree Care brings together tree and landscape expertise with advanced technology and an intense focus on quality tree care and customer service. The team includes five certified arborists with 150 combined years of experience and a staff of 50 supervisors, technicians and support personnel. For more information, visit https://advanced-treecare.com.

We’re in the final weeks of autumn. Soon the last leaves will fall, and a crisp chill will fill the air. Before the snow flies, though, it’s time to take care of preparing your landscape for winter. When you do so, you can help to protect your trees so they will be beautiful next spring.  

Proper seasonal plant care is not just about a fall clean-up and a tidy yard. It’s about proactive care to ensure the well-being of your trees and shrubs during the harsh weather to come. In this article, we’ll provide seasonal plant health care tips to help you in preparing your landscape for winter.  

Why preventive tree care is important

Winter can be a stressful season for both people and trees. Freezing temperatures, dry air, and prolonged exposure to ice can stress your trees. By taking steps to proactively prepare your trees for winter, you can help them build greater resilience to withstand these winter stresses. 

Well-maintained trees are also less likely to experience winter damage, such as branches that break under the weight of snow or ice. Preventive tree care can help to reduce the risk of this kind of damage. It can also help you protect your property as well as your family, friends, and even passersby.  

Finally, proper preventive tree care during the winter months is the foundation for healthy spring growth. Trees that have been protected and nurtured through the winter are more likely to flourish next spring and summer. You will see the results in new growth, abundant blooms, and healthy foliage.

Seasonal tree health care tips

Now that you know why winter tree care is so important, here is an easy-to-follow guide to seasonal plant health care: 

• Mulch. Mulch helps to insulate the soil, retain moisture, and protect roots from the temperature fluctuations of the season. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your trees, extending it a few feet from the trunk. Avoid mounding the mulch at the base of the trunk; allow for a few inches of space. 
• Water. Winter is a very dry season. Water your trees regularly and deeply, with a low, slow flow, right up until the ground freezes. In the Midwest, this could mean watering until early December. Adequate watering gives your trees a reservoir to draw from during the dry winter months, and it’s especially important after a dry summer.
• Prune. Proper pruning can reduce the risk of branch breakage. It also improves air circulation and reduces the risk of certain fungal diseases. Prune dead, diseased, overhanging, or weakened branches to prevent them from becoming hazards during storms. Don’t prune newly planted trees unless branches are diseased or damaged. 
• Protect. Young trees need extra protection. Wrap their trunks with tree wraps or hardware cloth to protect them from nibbling rodents and deer seeking food during the cold months. You might also stake trees that will need extra support from winter storms and wind; use soft materials and leave enough flexibility for the tree to sway slightly. 

Seasonal plant health care tips

Trees aren’t the only plants on your property that need care. As the cold weather sets in, be sure to adequately water bushes and shrubs until the ground freezes. Some varieties like juniper are more drought-tolerant, while others like yews will need extra care after a dry season like this year’s. 

Rake or blow to remove leaves from in and around your flowerbeds to protect your perennials from leaf-borne diseases. Consider staking young, fast-growing shrubs and plants that will need extra support during harsh weather. Some plants, like roses, benefit from rose collars or other protection from the season’s harsh elements. 

Winter tree care 

Winter’s bare landscape can give you—and the professionals—a prime opportunity to assess the health of your landscape. Schedule a consultation with a certified arborist to determine the health of your trees, inspect for signs of disease or infestation, and address any structural weaknesses with pruning or bracing.  

Late fall or early spring can also be a good time to apply deep root fertilization. This provides essential nutrients directly to trees’ or shrubs’ root systems to boost overall health and resilience. 

Winter can also be a good time to plan landscape improvements for warmer months. If you are planning to add new trees to your landscape, consult a certified arborist for advice. Choosing the right species for the climate, soil, and light conditions on your property will help to ensure your trees thrive for years to come. 

As winter closes in, it’s tempting to take life inside. Your trees, though, need TLC now to get through the winter. Preventive tree care during the winter can make a big difference in the health and longevity of your trees and will protect the investment you have made in your yard. 

Looking for guidance with winter tree care and seasonal plant maintenance?  We can help. Advanced Tree Care combines top-notch equipment, cutting-edge technology, and well-trained staff to provide emergency tree removal and tree maintenance services. With a presence in nine counties and two states, we work daily to provide unparalleled customer service, safety, and efficiency—as well as the expertise to beautify your landscaping and community. Advanced Tree Care isn’t just our name—it’s also our purpose!

Fall: it’s a beautiful time to rake leaves, carve pumpkins, and…plant trees?

Yes, in fact it is. There are a few very good reasons why fall is a good time for planting trees. Whether you want to boost your curb appeal or do your part for the planet, fall is actually the ideal time to plant trees. Read on to learn why.

Why plant trees in the fall

Fall in Illinois is the Goldilocks of our seasons: not too warm, not too cold, not too wet, not too dry. Consider these reasons for planting trees in the fall:  

• Ideal growing conditions. The soil is still warm from the summer. Even better, cooler air temperatures reduce the rate of water evaporation. This combination gives newly planted trees an excellent chance to develop strong root systems before winter sets in.  
• Less stress. Trees planted in the fall experience less transplant shock, again because of milder soil conditions. Cooler temperatures help them direct resources to root growth without having to contend with scorching heat from the summer sun.
• A head start on next year. Planting trees in the fall gives them a head start for next spring’s growing season. By the time warmer weather arrives, your trees will have an established root system and be ready to put sunshine and rain into new growth.

A step-by-step guide to planting trees in the fall

Ready to add a new tree or two to your yard? Follow this step-by-step guide to successful tree planting in the fall. 

• Choose the right spot. Select a spot that will be big enough for a mature tree and that will provide sufficient sunlight. Avoid planting too close to other trees or structures like your home or garage. 
• Prepare the soil. Dig a hole twice the width and depth of the tree’s root ball. Loosen the soil around the hole’s edges to help the tree’s roots spread. 
• Get ready to plant. Remove the tree from its container or burlap wrapping and place its root ball in the hole, making sure that the top is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with soil. 
• Mulch and water. Mulch around the base of the tree but leave 2 to 3” around the base of the trunk. Mulch helps the tree retain moisture and also helps suppress weed growth. Water the tree deeply after planting. Continue to water regularly until the ground freezes; trees rely on stored water later in the season.  

The first year of your tree’s growth is an important period. Avoid pruning as it will stress the tree while it establishes roots. Remove only damaged or diseased branches. 

If your tree is tall and slender, consider staking it to prevent it from high winds and winter storms. Use soft materials to tie the tree to the stake, which will create flexibility for natural movement. 

Choosing the right tree for planting in the fall

It’s as important to choose the right species of tree as it is to choose the right spot. Choose trees that are native to your area, as these are well-adapted to local climate and soil conditions. 

Be sure to consider the mature size of the tree. Some fast-growing trees like silver maples, red maples, sycamores, and cottonwoods will grow quickly. It’s important to envision how your tree will look when mature to make sure it will not outgrow its space or threaten power lines, your home, or other trees on or near your property. Also carefully consider the soil conditions in your yard, as some trees prefer well-drained soil while some do fine in wetter conditions. 

Looking for guidance on when to plant trees, and what species to choose? We can help. Advanced Tree Care combines top-notch equipment, cutting-edge technology, and well-trained staff to provide emergency tree removal and tree maintenance services. With a presence in nine counties and two states, we work daily to provide unparalleled customer service, safety, and efficiency—as well as the expertise to beautify your landscaping and community. Advanced Tree Care isn’t just our name—it’s also our purpose!

Trees are good for the soul—and for a beautiful yard. They offer shade, improve the air quality, and enhance the beauty of our homes. Just as with any living thing, though, they can have health issues or structural problems, which can pose safety risks. 

Learning to recognize the signs that you need to call a tree expert can help you take better care of your trees—and your property. In this article, we share what to look for and when to call a professional tree removal service.  

Healthy trees, healthy yard

Why does tree health matter? The answer might be more complex than you think. First, healthy trees enhance your home’s curb appeal, which can translate to higher value if and when you sell your home. By providing shade, trees can also improve energy efficiency by reducing the need for air conditioning during the summer months (which can help you save on your utility bills). And, if you’ve ever played the “avoiding my neighbor” game, you know that trees can provide privacy. 

There are important environmental reasons, too. Healthy trees also help reduce air pollution by acting as natural air purifiers: they absorb carbon dioxide and through the process of photosynthesis, release oxygen back into the air. In addition, healthy trees with robust root systems help to manage stormwater and prevent soil erosion by soaking up and retaining rainwater. 

There are times, though, when diseased or damaged trees can pose significant safety risks on your property. Diseased, dying, or damaged trees can topple over in a storm, causing damage to your car, home, and anyone on the property, including passersby. But because trees can become a fixture, many homeowners may not recognize the signs that it’s time to consult an arborist or call a tree removal service unless they are paying careful attention. 

When to call a tree removal service

Wondering whether it’s time to call the tree experts? Our guide will help you make an informed decision by explaining four key signs that indicate it’s time to call a professional tree removal service. 

#1. Symptoms of tree diseases or infestations

Like people and animals, trees can get sick. When they do, it’s time to take action as soon as you notice the signs of yellowing or wilting leaves, branch dieback, or fungal growth. This is because some tree diseases can be transmitted from the infected tree to others on your property. In addition, early action and treatment can potentially save your tree. 

Common tree diseases include Dutch Elm Disease, Apple Scab, Chestnut Blight, Fire Blight, and Anthracnose, among others. You might notice that a tree has not leafed out properly as it would in a typical spring, or you might notice signs that the tree is struggling later on in the growing season. With infestation, you might notice that a tree isn’t thriving. Some infestations, like Japanese beetles, can cause trees to stop thriving but can be treated effectively. 

Some diseases like Oak Wilt or Pine Wilt are fatal—and, in the case of the latter, may even spread to other trees. Be sure to call a tree removal service with a certified arborist to diagnose tree disease or infestation and discuss next steps. 

#2. Trees with structural damage

Age, storm damage, or disease can cause trees to become structurally compromised. This means that the tree or a branch is unstable and can pose a risk to people and property. Look for hanging or cracked branches or damage to the trunk. Trees about to topple may also lean over. 

Seasonal storms can also cause structural damage. Heavy snow and ice storms can damage trees over the winter, while storms with high winds and torrential rain in the spring, summer, or fall may also cause damage. It is a good idea to make a habit of visually inspecting the trees on your property after intense storms and be sure to call a professional tree service if you notice any problems. It’s important to take quick action to prevent complete tree failure. 

#3. Proximity to structures or utility lines

Trees in close proximity to or that overhang your house, garage, or utility lines can also pose a risk to your home, even if they are healthy. Over time, tree roots can penetrate your home’s foundation, which can lead to cracks or structural instability. In addition, overhanging branches can damage your gutters, siding, or roof. Not only can this cause damage, but it can also create an entry point for pests or moisture. 

Trees growing too close to utility lines, like electric wires, cables, gas or water pipes, or sewer lines, can interfere with service delivery—and even increase the possibility of outages. During storms, trees or branches can topple on power lines, causing outages and endangering residents (of your home and others). It is important to assess when a tree poses a hazard because of its proximity to structures or utilities—and plan for removal by a professional tree service when this is the case. 

#4. Tree overcrowding 

Finally, just like we do, trees need space and sunshine to thrive. Overcrowding can create unhealthy competition for resources like water and soil nutrients. This stunts growth and can even weaken a tree’s immune system, making it more susceptible to infection or infestation. Though no one relishes removing a tree, it can benefit the remaining trees in the area by ensuring that they are in a healthy environment.  

Why call a professional tree removal service

We’ll make this short: you should always call the professionals for tree removal. Tree care is complex—and making a mistake can not only cause damage but be very expensive. A professional tree removal service will have the skills, knowledge, and equipment to ensure safe, proper tree removal. In addition, a certified arborist—a tree expert—will know exactly how a tree should be removed when it is damaged, diseased, or posing a threat to your property. 

For more on why and when to call an arborist, see Six Reasons to Hire an Arborist for Tree Care. 

When it’s time to call a professional tree care removal service, we can help. Advanced Tree Care combines top-notch equipment, cutting-edge technology, and well-trained staff to provide emergency tree removal and tree maintenance services. With a presence in nine counties and two states, we work daily to provide unparalleled customer service, safety, and efficiency—as well as the expertise to beautify your landscaping and community. Advanced Tree Care isn’t just our name—it’s also our purpose!