City forester recommends winter weather tips for trees

As the leaves fall and temperatures drop, Eagle Mountain City Forester Alec Boydston is reminding residents that fall is the beginning of healthy dormancy for the city’s trees.

Preparing trees properly before winter can make the difference between a healthy spring and costly replacement come thaw.

“Winter can be hard on trees, especially where our root zones are compacted and we have high salt exposure,” said Boydston. “Young trees are especially vulnerable to frost cracking during this time with their thinner bark.”

Boydston says one of the most important things residents and property managers can do is deep watering before the ground freezes. Even as watering needs decline from summer levels, trees still rely on moisture to protect roots through dormancy.

“It’s critical for root health during dormancy,” Boydston explained. “This goes for new plantings, but also established trees, especially in dry winters when snowfall is limited.”

Another key step is mulching.

Applying a fresh layer of non-dyed or untreated mulch, also known as arborist chips, helps insulate the soil, retain moisture, and reduce the effects of the freeze-thaw cycle. This cycle can push roots upward and damage trees in soils with high moisture and poor drainage.

Fall is also an excellent time for pruning young trees. Light pruning to remove co-dominant stems and improve structure early on prevents larger and riskier problems in the future.

 “Just be careful not to prune too heavily late into the season,” Boydston says.

For trees near roads and sidewalks, protection from wildlife and salt exposure is equally important. Installing tree guards can help where deer or rodents are an issue, and burlap wraps or barriers can prevent salt damage from de-icing products.

Boydston also encourages residents with fruit trees to consider dormant oil and copper fungicide sprays to protect against overwintering pests and diseases such as fire blight or peach leaf curl.

“A common schedule is around Thanksgiving, again mid-winter, and once more before bud break,” he said. “For best results, apply when temperatures are above freezing but not expected to drop below 35 degrees.”

Fall is a great time to assess your trees and take note of declining health or potential issues to address in spring.

 “A little preparation now goes a long way toward ensuring the health and beauty of our urban forest,” Boydston said.