Winter Tree Work

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Winter Tree Work

7016257165 • Nov 30, 2023

Pruning Trees in Winter

During the winter months, most people are content to be indoors, and don’t give much thought to their yards or trees. However, you might consider inspecting your trees once the leaves have fallen. There are many reasons that winter is an excellent time to prune deciduous trees.

Here are some advantages to winter pruning:

Improved Visibility and Safety

The absence of leaves makes it easier for arborists to assess the overall structure of the tree. This enhanced visibility allows for more accurate and precise pruning, leading to better results. This also creates a good opportunity for cabling and bracing due to branch visibility and canopy structure. Removing dead, diseased or damaged branches during winter reduces the risk of them falling during storms, heavy snowfall, or high winds, which can enhance safety on your property.

Dormancy

During winter, most trees are in a state of dormancy, so they are not actively growing. Trees pruned or trimmed during winter will recover more quickly in the spring when growth resumes as energy stores will not be wasted on unhealthy material. In addition, cut wounds have the opportunity to compartmentalize without the risk of attracting sap-loving insects.

Disease and Pest Management

Tree diseases and pests are less active or dormant during winter. Conducting tree work during this time can help prevent the spread of diseases and reduce the risk of infestations. Arborists can also look for pests at this time and treat for overwintering insects in late February through March. Trees can also be inspected for Sooty Mold, a byproduct of heavy insect feeding.

Frozen Ground

In some cases, the ground may be frozen during winter, providing a protective layer to the roots and minimizing soil compaction. This can be advantageous when heavy equipment needs to be used for tree work, as it reduces the risk of damaging the root system and surrounding lawn.

Removals

Winter is also a good time for tree removals, due to the decrease of debris from leaves, frozen ground, and reduced risk from falling limbs.

Although not all tree work is suitable for winter, consulting with a certified arborist is recommended to determine the best course of action for your specific trees. Our arborists at Mead Tree & Turf Care are available to inspect and make recommendations for your trees. Call 301-854-5990 to request an evaluation.

Click here for more information on winter pruning

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SPRING TREE CARE

By 7016257165 • 02 Apr, 2024

Tree Care Terms

Getting Ready for Spring

By 7016257165 • 02 Feb, 2024

Although we are still in the throes of winter, spring officially starts next month on March 20. The next few weeks is the ideal time to start thinking about getting your yard ready for warmer weather. To give your landscape the boost it needs for a long season of healthy and attractive plants, now is a good time to have an arborist from Mead Tree & Turf Care survey your yard to assess the condition of your trees, and identify problems on your property that need to be addressed. Trees will be checked for: Dead wood, cavities, or peeling bark Signs of root decay Branches overhanging sidewalks, roofs, or overhead wires Poor structure due to multiple lead branches, rubbing branches, or weak crotches Early signs of insect infestation Trees may require pruning, cabling, lightning protection, or removal . This work can all be done in the winter , and in fact may be easier, as the branching structure is more visible before trees leaf out. Treatment for disease or insects and fertilization can be planned for spring. Beds will be checked for leaves, debris, and old mulch that requires removal. Shrubs will be checked for dead wood, signs of insects, and any that will require fertilization or pruning in early spring. This is a good time to get on our schedule for bed cleanup and mulching . Keeping your turf healthy requires work, constant vigilance, and care. Mead Tree & Turf Care can make lawn care easy with our turf care programs . Weeds and insect infestations on lawns are usually symptoms, with the real problem being an unhealthy lawn. A properly maintained and healthy lawn can withstand invasive insects and out-compete weeds for sunlight, water and soil. In addition to proper mowing and watering, reduction of disease problems in established turf is accomplished by changes in cultural practices such as fertilization, core aeration, balancing the PH, and soil testing - all services we provide. An early start to caring for your trees and lawn can resolve problems before they cause permanent damage. Call Mead Tree & Turf Care today to schedule your property inspection. We will make recommendations that allow you to enjoy a beautiful and healthy yard this spring and summer.

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Preparing Plants for Winter

By 7016257165 • 08 Dec, 2023

When the leaves fall from the trees, and lawn mowing is a distant memory, most homeowners put their yards on the back burner until spring. However, there is a lot that can be done to assure that spring doesn’t bring some unpleasant surprises when it comes to your favorite plants due to over-wintering insects, harsh weather conditions and deer. Mead Tree & Turf Care can help with preparing your plants for winter by providing any of these solutions.