Caring For Your Ornamentals: Winter Tree Care in Texas

Wrap the Trunk

Yes, even in northern Texas trees are susceptible to drastic temperature fluctuations in the winter. This can cause sunscald and frost cracks. Trees with thin bark like the maple, ash, linden, and honey locust are especially vulnerable. To prevent damage, wrap tree trunks with a trunk wrap. Wrap the tree from the base to the first branches to ensure protection.

Apply Mulch

Mulch can also help to protect your trees from extreme temperatures. Just add two to four inches around the base of your trees. This can be store-bought mulch, wood chips, or even fall leaves that you raked up. Mulch has the added benefit of reducing soil erosion, evaporation, and retains moisture.

Prune in Winter

Winter is a great time to prune your trees in Texas because they are dormant and less susceptible to pests and disease. Remove dead branches and low hanging branches. Always prune just outside the branch collar so the tree can heal itself.

Deep Root Fertilizers

Keeping your trees strong and healthy is an essential part of tree care in Texas. Traditional fertilizers fail to reach the deep roots of mature trees. When you need to fertilize your mature trees it’s time to turn to deep root fertilizers. Deep root feeding is done by injecting fertilizer and other enhancers directly into the root zone of the tree. This way the nutrients get right where they need to be and fast without any runoff or leaching. 

The Benefits of Deep Root Feeding

Deep root fertilization is a fast and efficient way to boost the health of your tree. Take a look at these benefits.

• Rapid Root Growth: The fertilizer goes right to where it needs to and results in faster absorption and effectiveness.
• Proper Nutrients: Mixtures are specifically designed for the species and age of the target tree.
• No Stealing: Nutrients will not be stolen from nearby plants as it sinks into the soil.
• Aerates the Soil: The injecting process involves sticking a rod into several areas around the tree. This can alleviate soil compaction and thatch buildup.
• Protection From Diseases: Trees that are strong and healthy have a better time fending off pests and diseases.
• Quick Results: Because the fertilizer is injected directly into the root system, results are fast-acting and noticeable. 

Water Young Trees

When watering new and young trees people usually just leave a hose running at the base. This might not be as efficient as you think since most of the trees’ roots extend outward. Instead of a hose, try using a sprinkler or soaker hose. A good rule of thumb is to imagine the tree’s roots extending as far as its branches and water in that area.

Dormant Oil

Pests are one of the biggest destroyers of trees and shrubs in Texas. While most trees can withstand some insect activity. It’s when those populations grow into an infestation when tree problems can arise. Tree damaging insects such as tree scale, mites, and caterpillars are a particular threat to your ornamentals. To protect your trees and ornamentals from overwintering pests use dormant oil. Dormant oil is a substance that is applied to the bark of trees to deal with overwintering insects and their eggs and prevent them from taking over your tree in the spring. Dormant oil can be purchased at any garden store or nursery. 

Hire The Tree Care Experts at Gro Lawn

At Gro Lawn, we have over 20 years of experience dealing with Texas trees and the problems they face. Our tree and shrub care program includes pruning, trimming, mulching, and pest control.

Got a pest problem? Call and ask about our perimeter pest control program. 

Call us at (817) 447-7711 or request a free estimate here. Check out our monthly blog for more lawn care tips. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and check out our YouTube channel for helpful videos on lawn care, tree care, and more!