Tree Health Check Up Checklist for Kalamazoo Winter
As Michiganders, we know that our winters can be very snow-filled and come with lots of ice and extreme cold fronts. Here at American Arbor, we love to protect our Kalamazoo trees just as much as you do even during the winter months.
In this month’s blog, we’re discussing what we recommend you check up on for your trees in the winter to make sure they’re all good, and that they’ll be ready for spring.
Why Check on Your Trees in Winter
It’s easy to forget about your trees in the winter, or even if you are aware of them, you probably just assume they’re in a dormant state and hibernating through the season. However, it’s important to check on your trees as the cold climate presents specific threats to tree health and safety.
Here’s why winter checks for your trees are crucial in Kalamazoo:
- Heavy snow and ice
- Salt damage
- Frost cracks
- Invasive pests
The weight of accumulated snow, damage from de-icing salt, sudden temperature drops causing contractions in outer wood, and invasive insects present dangers to your trees during winter. This could lead to parts of the tree dying or the entire tree subsiding and never coming back for spring.
What to Look for During a Winter Tree Check
Luckily for you, there are a bunch of signs to look out for to make sure your trees are either outlasting or succumbing to winter. Here are some things to look out for during your tree checks:
- Weak or damaged branches
- Signs of disease
- Overall structure
- Evergreen health
While it may be cold outside, checking up for these signs is made much easier by the fact that there will be no leaves on your trees. This gives you better visibility of the tree structure and ability to spot these concerns, as well as allowing for safe pruning, better tree health, and reduced risks from winter storms overall.
Winter Tree Pruning with American Arbor
As we’ve mentioned, winter is a perfect time to prune your trees because of easy visibility of the structure and ability to spot threats. If you see any of the signs discussed above or are worried about the health of your trees, contact us here at American Arbor for our winter tree pruning services in Kalamazoo today.
