Colorado Springs is known for its stunning views of the mountains, but the close proximity also causes extremes in weather changes. Colorado Springs is prone to large and sudden snowstorms windstorms and blizzards which can make a mess out of yards. The dry Colorado climate can be harsh on trees and plants, particularly in the colder months. These are some tree care tips for helping your trees weather a harsh winter.

Top Professional Tips on Tree Care Tips for Colorado Springs Winters



Remove Dead Trees and Limbs to Prepare for Colorado Springs’ Winter Storms

Wind and heavy snowfall can cause a lot of damage to trees especially when they are full of dead and brittle limbs. Removing dead trees and dead limbs from trees can help to mitigate this damage. When trees and limbs die, they dry out and become brittle fairly quickly. Dead trees will start to rot out which will make them far more likely to fall in a windstorm. Dead limbs are more likely to snap in wind or under heavy snow. Removing all dead trees and limbs from your yard will help to prevent damage to your property when Colorado’s sudden snowstorms hit.

Tree Trimming While the Tree is Dormant to Make Way for New Growth

Winter is a great time to trim and thin out a tree. The sap in a tree runs more slowly after it has gone into dormancy. This makes tree trimming easier on the tree because it can heal the trim site more easily. It also makes it easier to thin out old growth without cutting into new spring growth. Trees should be thinned out every few years so that growth can be directed, and so the tree can effectively allocate water, nutrients, and sun energy. Trimming in the winter will help the tree be ready to fill out and grow strong with new growth when it buds out in the spring.

Watering to Help Trees Through Colorado’s Dry Winters

Colorado has a very dry climate which becomes even more intense in the winter. Trees are impacted by the increased winter dryness, so it may be beneficial to water your tree. Younger trees will need more maintenance than older trees, especially if they have been transplanted recently. In most cases watering once a month will be sufficient. Make sure that the outside temperature is no lower than 40 degrees and water at the base of the tree on a trickle for about 30 to 45 minutes.

Mulch Around the Tree to Protect and Insulate the Roots

Mulch acts as an excellent insulator for tree roots. Mulching around the base of the tree will help hold in the ground warmth and keep the tree’s roots from freezing. Once again, this is particularly helpful for younger trees whose roots are still becoming established. Mulch should be applied around the base of the tree at about 3 to 4 inches deep, and 5 to 6 feet around in diameter.

Wrap the Trunk to Protect it from Sun Scald

Colorado gets 300 days a year of sunshine which can leave trees susceptible to sun-scald. When trees lose their leaves for winter their trunk becomes more exposed to the sun and elements. Sunscald can cause cracking in the bark of the tree as it expands and contracts as the sun warms it in the day and the frigid temperatures hit at night. Wrapping the trunk of the tree will protect the tree’s bark from sunscald and cracking. This particularly helpful for trees that are not native to Colorado.

Deep Root Feeding to Provide Nutrients

Deep Root Feeding in the Fall is a great way to get your trees ready to stay healthy through the winter. Deep root feeding strengthens the root system of the tree and helps it to disperse nutrients that may be less naturally available in the dry Colorado Soil. The deep root feeding process involves injecting a mixture of nutrients deep into the soil to be absorbed by the tree’s roots. September and October are ideal times to deep root feed your tree to prepare it for winter dormancy.

Summary

The dry Colorado climate can be harsh on trees and plants, but there are things that can be done to take care of your yard and keep your trees healthy. Removing dead trees and limbs will protect your property from storm damage. Watering, fertilizing, mulching, and wrapping the trunks will protect your trees from the cold and dry elements.

Precision Tree has been serving Colorado Springs for nearly 20 years and are professionals in tree care tips. We offer free estimates for your tree trimming and removal needs.