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Winter Tree Care Tips for Homeowners

Trees are an important part of any home landscape and require care year-round. In winter, it is especially important to ensure that your trees are well taken care of. Taking the time now to look after your trees in winter will help keep them healthy and strong for years to come. Here’s what you need to know about taking care of trees in the winter months.

 

Mulching Your Trees Mulching is one of the best steps you can take to ensure a healthy tree in winter. Mulch helps insulate the soil against extreme temperature changes, reducing stress on the tree and allowing it to focus its energy on healthy growth and development. You should apply mulch once a year in early fall or late summer, making sure not to pile it too high or too close to the trunk as this can cause root rot or disease. Protecting Against Cold Weather Damage Winter weather can damage even healthy trees if precautionary measures aren’t taken. For young trees, wrapping their trunks with burlap is a good way to protect them from heavy snowfall and frost. If temperatures get too cold, a tree’s sap can freeze which can eventually lead to death; wrapping the trunk will prevent this from happening by keeping the sap warmer than outside temperatures. Older trees should be pruned regularly throughout all four seasons, but especially during late fall and early spring when they are most vulnerable; pruning helps reduce risk of damage caused by snowfall or wind that could break branches or worse. Preventing Disease and Pests In addition to cold weather damage, pests and diseases can also be a threat during winter months. Make sure your tree has plenty of room around its base so that air can circulate properly; this will reduce humidity which decreases risk of fungal disease growth. To reduce pest infestations, inspect your tree regularly for signs such as holes in leaves or bark discoloration; if you spot anything suspicious contact an arborist immediately for treatment advice before any major damage is done.

 

Taking proper care of your trees in winter is essential if you want them to stay healthy year round. By mulching, protecting against cold weather damage, pruning regularly, and inspecting for pests and diseases you’ll be doing your part to ensure that your trees live long lives! So don't forget these helpful tips when looking after your trees this winter season. You can contact us for tree training courses on the Isle of Wight.

 

Autumn And The Leaves
You may be having a saunter on a crisp autumn afternoon and notice several leaves on the ground, of a variety of colours ranging from brown to red. This is due to the pigment in the leaves changing from the environment around it. Chlorophyll causes leaves to turn green, along with anthocyanins and carotenes creating the red/pink and yellow colours. The colour depends on the elements and the chemical balance. For instance, if it is a particularly cold night, chlorophyll is affected. This means the green colouring fades to a yellow. However if it is warmer temperature, the colour may take on a red hue, due to the sugar concentration in the foliage affecting the anthocyanin. Sunny weather will also enhance this change.

 

You may wonder why leaves fall off trees during this time. Trees have a hormone called auxin, which helps to keep the leaf attached, due to the layer of cells forming between the stem and the stalk. However, the cooler the weather, the lower the levels of auxin. This is when the leaf would break away and land on the ground below. Leaves breaking away is actually beneficial to the tree, as it helps the tree to withold moisture, instead of getting too dry. Trees without foliage become dormant, therefore the lifespan improves, due to the need for energy decreasing. No leaves means it can also survive in a storm for longer and is less likely to get damaged. Call Arb advice for all Tree work on the Isle of Wight.

 

The Power Of Pruning!
When we have trees in our garden, we may not think much about them. But trees need to be looked after in order to flourish and not just visually. Pruning is also beneficial to a trees health and lifespan. For instance, pruning can get rid of the dead branches that weigh down and affect the surrounding healthier branches and roots, hindering how they grow and risking the chance of them falling. Decaying branches can break off during storms, which can be a hazard for anyone walking underneath. It can also fall on to a house and cause damage.

 

Trees can suffer from diseases and fungi that have the potential to spread to the healthier parts of the tree. By pruning and thinning the branches, this can localise the disease to one area and bring more light to the tree, helping it to develop and benefit the air flow. Flowering will also benefit from pruning, as this will help grow fruit and keep them safer from disease, as well as helping any wildlife which may use the tree as a habitat. It is best to have a professional prune the tree, as they will ensure it is done without any damage and limit the risk of excessive pruning, which can also harm the tree. Call us for all Tree work on the Isle of Wight.

 

How Does Wildlife Benefit From Trees?
When there are trees around, there is also wildlife. After all, trees are their home and shelter that they rely on for food and safety. A number of small creatures such as squirrels and birds commonly live in trees due to this. Trees existing also provides the correct environment for other plants to flourish.

 

Did you know that there are different parts of a tree that attracts wildlife to it? For instance the bark, fruits, flowers and the buds. The fungus and bacteria within the tree can also provide a home for some birds, due to the decay creating easier nesting. Fertility within the soil can also increase.

 

It's not just land animals that rely on trees, as they are also beneficial for aquatic wildlife. Trees give shading, helps to lower the temperature of water and air and gives homes and food to water species. This includes fish, turtles and animals that rely on it like beavers and otters. Call us for more advice on all tree work on the Isle of Wight.

 

The Importance of Tree Surveys
As an integral part of the ecosystem, trees are very essential, so it is important surveys are conducted. They can provide helpful information on the state of the tree and if there are any potential risks to the land they grow on or any properties around it. For example, someone might be worried about the potential for subsidence in their property or if there is a chance that an endangered animal may be around (like bats) that may be at risk of harm.

 

You may want to know how old the tree is, what type of tree it is and if there are any endangered creatures using it as a habitat. If this is the case the tree will need to be taken care of properly. Doing a tree survey can help people take care of the tree and any animals that need it for survival. There are also trees that need to meet standards for health and safety, that reside in a town or land. They can be a risk, so a survey should be done to prevent any risks to life. If a survey is planned then you should use a professional, due to the experience and knowing what to look out for, to keep both the land around the tree and the people safe. If you want a survey or us to undertake a tree report on the Isle of Wight, call to arrange a visit and free quotation.

 

How Can I Tell If My Tree Has a Disease?
Trees are an important part of our environment. Not only do they give animals and birds a home, they also provide a clean atmosphere and sustenance. They provide fuel in order to keep our families warm. Yet the way we treat the environment, as well as bringing in new trees, can increase the chance of diseases and pest infestations.

 

It is unusual for a tree to be a hundred percent clear of disease, due to the numerous organisms living on the tree. However, most trees can happily live aside these pathogens, as it is a normal part of their life. Unfortunately, some illnesses can take hold before they can defend themselves.

Some symptoms consist of discolouration and blotchy areas, as well as dead patches in the leaves of the tree. Another name for this is ‘leaf blight’. Their leaves can also fall off, something called ‘defoliation’. There can be decay, fungus, dead and damaged branches, as well as lesions and missing bark.

 

Luckily, once the disease has been confirmed, fungicides can be purchased in order to help stop it. It can be injected into the tree or the surrounding area, such as the soil and roots. Other procedures can lower the risk of illness, such as fertilisation and pruning. If you’re not sure what to do, then it is best you hire a professional tree surgeon to have a look, as they can give you advice on what to do next, particularly if it is potentially dangerous to have in the garden and you have the safety of your family to think about. For more information and advice on your tree, arrange a visit from your local Arboculturalist on the Isle of Wight.

 

Are UK Woodlands In Danger Due to Decline of Wildlife?
According to a study of the condition of the trees and woodlands native to Britain, only 7% are in decent shape. Although the cover of woods are increasing gradually, the wildlife is reducing.

 

The Woodland Trust is the UK’s biggest woodland preservation charity. The charity advises that if the danger to the woodland isn’t sorted, then our potential to sort climate problems will be badly limited.

 

The UK is covered by 13% of woodland, risen from the 12% it was in 1998. Around 50% is of native types, like beech, ash and oak trees. Some of these woodlands are long-standing, being around for centuries. The other 50% are grown specifically for commercial reasons, such as conifers which can be used for timber.

 

Unfortunately, wildlife such as birds, plants, and butterflies are reducing, generally down to elements like environmentally harmful pollution or species, browsing done by deer’s, and deforestation.

In order to defend the present woodlands, tree planting needs to greatly increase. Where they are planted is important, as well as the quality. They need to be able to connect the native woodlands, as well as the new ones helping to reduce potential flooding near risky urban areas.

 

With new trees being planted, it is hopeful that carbon emissions will drop by 2050, as well as having the potential to raise woodland cover up to 19%, call us for advice on Tree work in the Isle of Wight.

 

Do I Need A Tree Surgeon Or Can I Do It Myself?
Most of us enjoy working in our gardens and maintaining it ourselves. But sometimes if you have trees you may not know what to do with them, or how to look after them, which is where a professional can come in.

 

Without proper care a tree will start to look weathered and tired, which on an aesthetic sense isn’t what you’d want. But safety wise it can also be a danger. So a professional tree surgeon can ensure the good health of the tree.

 

Pruning is a good way of keeping up with a tree’s health, but if you try and do it (other than trimming carefully in its resting period) or use an amateur then you can cause damage that may harm the tree permanently. An expert will ensure it is done properly and without danger to the tree.

 

You will personally have to look out for any hazards such as dead tree branches that could fall on people or power lines. But when it comes to removing them you should get the expert to do it. When it comes to safety they will know what to look out for. They will be able to use the proper machinery (as ladders are not always secure) with the right training, particularly in health and safety.

 

So when it comes to deciding, just remember that a professional will give the reassurance you need to make your garden a safe environment to be in. If you cannot decide yourself why not call us for a Tree report on the Isle of Wight.

 

IMPORTS OF OAK TREES TO COME UNDER TIGHTER RESTRICTIONS
Native Trees in England are to be protected from the disease OPM, Oak Processionary Moth, by strengthened measures on the import of oak trees. Only imports of certain oak trees will be permitted including those from OPM free countries and pest free areas, and those grown under protection for their lifetime.

 

This is due to be introduced in Parliament shortly and applies to all oak trees with the exception of cork oak over a certain size, contact a specialist in tree work on the Isle of Wight such as Arb advice.

 

Oak in decline

England's Oak is in decline and imports, mostly from Europe and the US, seems to be the only answer. So few have been grown in the last century and the last of the oak trees, grown by the Victorians, are now being harvested.

 

The government have appointed the first Tree Champion who will set plans in motion to conserve existing forests and grow 11 million new trees.

 

Once, trees were fundamental to our economy from the Magna Carta days to more recent times when millions of homes were required after the first world war. Consequently, the Forestry Commission was established to grow the materials and create jobs for returning soldiers.

 

Forestry, today, is a very small business and only about 13% of the UK is forest land – an improvement on the 5% after the first world war but much less than the European average of more than 30%.

 

Sir William Worsley will have to face many issues over the coming years but one of the first jobs he will have to complete is working out the extent of the UK's forests.
Storm Ali Damage

With Storm Ali sweeping the country this September, the importance of proper tree maintenance has come to light.

 

Shocking footage of trees collapsing inches from people's cars and the terrible news of the death of a man in Northern Ireland, has led to professional tree surgeons working around the clock on the clean-up committee.

 

Strong winds can have a deadly impact when combines with weak trees. The sight of trees falling across roads is not uncommon during storms in the UK, but they serve as a reminder that we should take better care of our horticulture.

 

The presence of a weak oak tree in high winds could lead to serious damage to you, your property or your belongings.

 

For a professional opinion about the maintenance of a tree on your property, get in touch with ARB Advice – tree surgeons in the Isle of Wight.