In winter when the cold winter frost is already beginning to settle in, is a time where most people think it is okay to stop caring for their trees. This could not be further from the truth. In winter your trees need care even more than in summer. Mulching is a critical component of winter tree maintenance. Many homeowners in neglect to mulch their trees during the colder months, resulting in poor tree health once the spring comes around. Don’t skip this very necessary final step in preparing your property for a season that is often the most brutal on the landscape.

The Winter Mulching Process

Be sure to rake up leaves and other natural debris that have fallen on the ground around the base of your trees. Then evenly spread about two to four inches tall of mulch around the outside perimeter of your tree. As a general rule, the mulch should extend about three feet across to the edge of your tree’s crown.

Insulate the Roots to Protect from Winter Weather

Adding mulch to your tree’s base will help insulate the roots from winter’s cold, as well as retain moisture levels in the soil instead of letting it disappear quickly under winter conditions. Mulch in the winter is also an added measure of protection from other components of nature such as animals trying to burry themselves near your tree.

Organic vs. Inorganic Mulch

When selecting a mulch in the winter to use around your trees, organic mulches such as bark, pine needles, compost, or shredded leaves are better choices than inorganic materials. Try to avoid picking a mulch that contains rock, plastic, or gravel. Inorganic mulches can actually cause more harm than good by slowly leaching harmful chemicals into the soil that can be damaging to your trees over time.

Contact Your Tree Care Specialist

If you have any questions about proper winter tree care or mulching your trees in winter feel free to contact us about our Front Royal Tree Service. We would be happy to help you out!