Winter is a great time to stay in with a fire in the fireplace and hot chocolate, but despite the chilly weather outside, it is also a great time to take care of tree work. Winter tree removal can be great for your yard and for your pocketbook, and here are some of the reasons why.

Winter Tree Removal for Pest Control

Dying trees are an attractive habitat for pine beetle, ash borer, and other insects that can be harmful to surrounding trees. Pine beetle and ash borer kill trees by digging galleries (tunnels) throughout the tree which clogs the tree’s vascular system and causes it to die. These insects typically have a year-long lifecycle which starts with females laying eggs in the fall. The larva hatch and reside in egg galleries through the winter. In the spring they develop into adult insects and are able to fly out to infest other trees.

Removing dead trees in the winter cuts into the pest lifecycle by catching the insects wintering in larva form. Removing an infested tree during this dormant period keeps the problem isolated because the insects cannot fly yet. It is important to remove all wood after the tree is cut down because the insects can continue to live in logs. The insects can be killed by chipping the wood, burning it, or fully covering it with clear plastic and leaving it in the sun.

Storm Damage Prevention

The Colorado Springs area is notorious for harsh spring snowstorms. Spring weather brings in heavy, wet snow which is often accompanied by strong winds. The damage to property that comes with these storms can be significant. Fallen trees and limbs are a risk to roofs, vehicles, and other property. Emergency tree and limb removal can be expensive due to the sudden high demand after a storm.

The risk of storm damage is higher when there are dead trees or large dead limbs on a property. Dead wood is brittle and breaks easily in the wind or under the weight of snow and ice. Removing dead trees and cleaning up dead limbs is the best way to mitigate storm damage before it happens. When it comes to storm mitigation, the sooner it can be taken care of, the better.

Tree Removal and Cleanup is Easier to do in the Winter

Tree removal is simply an easier project after a tree and the rest of the landscape is dormant. It is easier to see the tree’s structure to determine where to make the removal cuts after the leaves have fallen. This is particularly helpful when trees grow close together and there are interfering limbs from other trees. With the leaves gone, the cleanup after the project is done is quicker and easier. There is less debris and a lighter load to haul away.

Professional Tree Removal is Cheaper in the Winter

Many companies offer great deals in the winter, and tree companies are no exception. Many tree removal companies will offer winter discounts for tree projects. There is less demand in the winter as everyone starts spending most of their time indoors which can work to your advantage if you want to do a budget project. Tree companies can also get the work done more quickly and efficiently when the yard is dormant for the winter.

Getting the Yard Ready for Spring

Winter tree trimming and removal generally causes less damage to the landscape when everything is dormant because there is less risk of plants getting trampled down in the process. Getting rid of a dead or problem tree during the winter also clears space for new spring landscaping projects. Now there is a whole new patch of yard that can be filled in with sod, a garden, or a new picnic area once the weather starts warming back up.

Summary

Taking care of a tree project in the winter is a good choice both economically and ecologically. Winter tree removal typically costs less, and it can save money and headache in the long run by preventing future problems from pests or storm damage.