The seasonal cycle of a tree throughout the year is mostly subject to the amount of daylight they receive, the air temperature and the presence of chlorophyll (a part of photosynthesis), along with the tree hormones of ethylene and auxin.
All of these things combined send signals to a tree which dictates its behaviour. During summer, for example, trees have plenty of sunshine and warm air, which create the ideal conditions for photosynthesis, providing them with lots of energy to keep their leaves strong and green.
When it comes to autumn, however, the nighttime hours begin to increase and trees see this as a signal to start shedding their leaves, so that they can preserve their energy and survive the winter weather ahead.
That brings us to winter, which is essentially a period of dormancy for trees, when they hibernate just like some animals.
How do I care for my tree during its dormant period?
The harsh elements of winter can be stressful for trees, particularly ones that haven’t yet matured or sit in particularly exposed places. There are, however, a few things you can do to give them a helping hand during the winter months. These are:
1. Add mulch around the drip line of your tree
In late autumn/early winter, add a two-inch layer of mulch under your tree’s drip line, which is the largest circumference of a tree’s canopy. Mulch helps to insulate soil and roots against cold temperatures and minimises water loss from soil.
2. Support younger trees against the elements
If you have any saplings or young trees in your garden, it might help to add a support which will prevent too much wind rock and allow the roots to anchor properly without movement. This technique is called staking.
3. Avoid exposing your trees to rock salt
If you live in an area where snow and ice on the roads are a serious winter hazard, you’ll no doubt use rock salt to create a safe pathway for walking and driving. It’s important, however, that you keep this away from your trees, as sodium chloride interferes with a tree’s ability to absorb water, oxygen, and nutrients, which can prove fatal. Instead, look for ice and snow melt products containing calcium, potassium or magnesium chloride.
4. Take care when clearing snow
To protect your tree branches against the heavy loads of snow and ice, you’ll no doubt want to knock it off during the daylight hours when the sun has warmed it. You should take care when doing this that you don’t cause any harm to the branch (or to yourself), and use upward movements to allow the snow to fall from the leaves.
Expert tree surgeons in Surrey
Trees make a huge difference to the look and feel of your garden, as well as your entire local area, which is why you’ll want to ensure they are kept looking their best throughout the year.
DH Tree Services is proud to offer tree pruning in Surrey for all tree types and heights, working in areas such as Banstead and Woldingham to provide property owners with the best possible tree and garden care. We also offer seasoned logs throughout winter, providing safe and smokeless wood burner fuel for cosy homes.
If you’d like to get in touch with us for a free, no-obligation quote on tree pruning services throughout the winter or to get some expert advice on tree work, call us on 07878 615 504.
