Now is the time of year when we start to think about covering the patio furniture, raking leaves and tidying up the yard for the winter.

Who knows what this winter will bring. Scientists and forecasters are calling for the biggest El Nino pattern in history and they think this will bring warmer and drier than average conditions to Oregon. Remember, though, no matter what the winter brings, your trees always need a little tender loving care to prepare them for the colder fall and winter months.

Here are a few basic things you can do to make sure your trees have a good winter:

Watering

If you have newly planted trees, you’ll want to make sure they are ready for the change in season! New, young trees require routine and thorough watering for at least three years after planting. Trees use water even during the winter. Just before the ground freezes in late fall, give your new trees a good soak.

Try this technique for slow watering. Take a five-gallon bucket and put a nail hole in the bottom, near the edge. Fill the bucket with water and leave the slowly leaking bucket under the tree canopy. Do this two or three times per tree, moving the bucket each time.

Mulching

Mulching around the base of the tree is an important part of long-term tree care. Winter mulch can keep the soil warmer longer, help retain water and protect the roots of the tree. It is important to mulch properly:

• Apply 3-6 inches of mulch around the tree.
• Spread it to form a circle at least 3 feet away from the tree.
• Keep a mulch-free zone, about 6-12 inches AWAY from the tree. You do not want the mulch to be touching the base of the trunk. Do NOT create a Mulch Volcano.

Pruning

Late fall and winter are the best times to prune trees. Leafless trees sometimes make our job a little easier because we can really see the branches and structure of the tree! Many people think that pruning just involved lopping off branches here and there—not true! Pruning must be done with an understanding of tree biology. Improper pruning can create lasting damage or even shorten the tree’s life. Proper pruning can enhance the health of a tree.

Bottom line – prune wisely or do yourself and your trees a favor by calling us to come prune your trees.

Regular Check-ups

Every few weeks this fall and winter, go outside (you’ll need that brisk, fresh air!) and take a look at your trees. Look for branch breakage (especially after a windstorm), weak limbs, animal damage, or irregularities to the bark. See anything unusual? Let us know! Contact us by email or call us at 541-480-4223

Mike D. and the crew