Protect Your Tree Roots From Winter Expert Tips to Avoid Cold Weather Damage
Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? Here’s an easy and affordable way to wow your guests: Turn a pumpkin into a centerpiece in just four steps! 1. Choose a vase. Look for one with a flared top and narrower base that can hold the ideal size of floral arrangement for your table.
2. Purchase a pumpkin. Make sure the pumpkin is roughly the same height as your vase or a little bit taller.
We assume trees are well-adapted to the outdoors and can survive without human
intervention. But countless trees suffer damage every winter, and you don’t want those on your lawn to be among them. Tree roots are particularly vulnerable during the cold season, but protective measures can keep them safe from unfavorable conditions.
3. Cut a hole in the top of your pumpkin and hollow out the inside. The hole should be big enough for the thickest part of our vase to fit through. After hollowing, drop the vase inside. Its rim should line up with the hole you carved. 4. Fill the vase with fall foliage. You can gather leafy branches, twigs, pine boughs, and pine cones outside or purchase fake ones! Stick to a fall color scheme of browns, reds, oranges, and yellows, or find items that match your table linens.
The work starts with proper mulching. Tree roots must stay below ground where they belong, but the “volcano” mulching method can bring them to the surface. Volcano mulching describes piling mulch directly against the tree trunk in a large, deep mound. Many homeowners also fail to remove the previous year’s mulch before applying a new layer in spring. As a result, the roots confuse the mulch for soil and begin growing upwards, exposing themselves to the elements. While improper mulching will likely damage your tree roots, proper mulching can protect them. We recommend “donut” mulching around your tree by creating an even layer that starts in a ring several inches from the trunk. The mulch will help insulate the ground so your tree roots stay within a safe temperature range, even during the worst cold snaps. Remember, your tree roots extend approximately as far as your longest branches, so your mulch ring may have to be large to offer adequate protection. Another option involves raking your leaves into a similar pattern around your trees rather than removing them from the lawn. We also recommend setting yourself up for success early in the year. Be careful when you plant new trees and shrubs, as plants with shallow roots are more susceptible to cold weather. Deep root fertilization in the spring can also create hardier roots that will withstand freezing temperatures in winter. Finally, ensure your trees are adequately hydrated before the year’s first frozen temperatures. Your roots will need that water to last them for several months! You should also be careful to keep road salt away from your trees. It could alter the structure of your soil and create a less hospitable climate for your tree roots. Anthony’s Lawn Care and Landscaping is here to help if you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed. Our expert team will gladly do the work for you and provide tips on keeping your trees healthy year-round. Call us today for your free estimate!
Have fun and be creative!
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