When we think of our winter landscape, we picture snow-covered trees and frozen ponds. The last thing on our minds is landscaping our frosty wonderland. However, late winter and early spring is the perfect time to prepare your trees and shrubs for the warmer weather. This Createscape Landscaping Wisconsin Tree Pruning Guide explains why your trees need some love this time of year.
Why Do I Need to Prune?
Pruning trees promotes healthy plant growth. In Fall, we watch all the leaves turn a beautiful color, and shortly after, plunge from the tree and “die”. This is not what’s actually happening. The trees enter a dormant period. Cooler weather and changes in daylight let the tree know it’s time to enter survival mode. This begins by them pushing the leaves from their branches. In the winter, trees do not receive enough energy from sunlight or enough water to sustain itself. Dormancy, similar to hibernation among animals, allows trees to utilize only their essential functions. Their metabolism slows, and cell growth pauses.
Because there is no new growth throughout the winter, it presents an opportunity to shape the tree for spring. When the warm temperatures return, all of the tree’s stored energy goes to new, healthful growth.
Benefits of Pruning in Winter
Safety: Wisconsin winters bring harsh wind, snow, ice, and freezing rain. Dead or damaged trees present an enormous safety hazard during this time of year. Pruning removes these hazards before they cause property damage or injury to our loved ones. Getting rid of the dead weight reinvigorates fragile trees, strengthening their bases. Less foliage also allows for safer, more thorough pruning as landscapers have easy access to the branches.
Health: Winter tree pruning prevents disease and stops existing disease from spreading. Tree infections caused by bacteria, parasites, insects, or fungi usually die in cold temperatures, making it the best time to cut back branches and trim infected areas. Trees are living beings; they experience stress. When trees are cut, their natural reaction is to heal itself. When cutting during winter dormancy, trees heal faster. Diagnosis of problems is also easier in winter months, as arborists have an unobstructed view of the tree structure.
Wisconsin Winter Pruning Guide
Not every tree or shrub needs to be pruned in winter. This guide lists the most common topiary tasks in Wisconsin. We always recommend hiring a professional landscaper for winter pruning. Createscape Landscaping provides year-round landscape management.
Trees: Fir Oak Sweetgum Katsura Maple Hornbeam Spruce
Shrubs Holly Boxwoods Yew Abelia Hydrangeas Roses St. Johnswort
Hiring a Professional Landscaper
The science of tree pruning involves expert technique and knowledge. A professional landscaper knows the proper tools to use that will not stress or damage your tree. They understand over-pruning effects the health of the tree. Hazards, like power lines and weak branches, easily cause severe injury. Trained arborists and pruners know how to safely clip branches.
The landscape management team at Createscape creates exceptional curb appeal. Our commitment to quality and service ensures your satisfaction with every project! When you hire Createscape Landscaping Service to manage your landscaping, you’re contracting with the best in the industry.
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