Should I Remove Snow on Trees and Shrubs?

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Should I Remove Snow on Trees and Shrubs?

Jan 04, 2024

Should I Remove Snow on Trees and Shrubs

You don’t have to remove light snow on trees and shrubs—it’s the heavy snow that can be damaging. Evergreen trees and shrubs are especially susceptible to having their branches broken after a heavy snowfall, because their foliage allows the branches to collect large amounts of snow. So, if a heavy snowfall has hit your area and you have trees with snow on them, blow or brush the snow off by hand or with a broom with upward strokes. Branches can be brittle during the winter months, so be as gentle as possible.

When ice has accumulated, it’s time to leave the branches alone and let it all melt off. Trying to remove the ice at this point will likely cause more damage. If any branches do break, and they aren’t a hazard to you or the overall health of the tree, have them pruned by a certified arborist. The end of the winter is the best time to prune because trees and plants are still in dormancy, but it’s not so cold that it could expose them to more damage. If branches do present a hazard, have a certified arborist come to remove them right away.

Our ISA certified arborists at Mead Tree & Turf Care can assist you with these strategies to minimizing winter injury:

Select hardy species and cultivars
Avoid late-summer fertilization or pruning, which might stimulate new growth
Water trees and shrubs, especially evergreens, during dry periods until the ground freezes
Use mulch to conserve soil moisture and insulate the roots from cold temperatures
Protect evergreens from wind and salt spray with burlap screens
Apply anti-desiccant to evergreens starting in late fall, following label instructions

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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.

Why Should I Hire a Local Tree Service?

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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.