ArborTech Tree Service

Southlake and Colleyville

Tree Service Tips

Winter Tree Trimming

Tree Trimming SouthlakeShould you trim trees in the winter? It happens that winter tree trimming is very common. While many homeowners think about trimming in the spring or the fall, winter is actually a very good time to prune your trees and trim up any parts that need attention.

Tree Trimming During Dormancy

Trimming while the trees are dormant prevents a large burst of growth in the spring. While winter tree trimming is perfectly acceptable, there are some rules to follow.

  1. Winter tree trimming should take place after the coldest part of the winter.
  2. Prune or Trim on a mild, dry day
  3. When trimming, focus on the dead or diseased branches first
  4. Trim the overgrown or smaller branches to produce light
  5. Trim so that the structure and integrity of the developed branches are intact
  6. Cut or prune branches at the node, where one branch intersects with another

Here in the Southlake and Frisco area, winter has been consistently colder than normal. So, we understand that you may not desire to go outside and trim your trees. Not only that, but are you doing it the correct way? We try to provide tree trimming tips and information, but experience does go a long way. If you are not comfortable trimming your trees, give us a call and we’ll schedule a time to come out and look at your trees. Our certified arborist will make recommendations on what trees should be trimmed, how they should be trimmed and even when they should be trimmed. Each species of tree is slightly different and can react differently to pruning.

We go the extra mile on clean up and safety, so you don’t have to worry about any damage to your property or cleaning up a mess after we leave. Contact us today for all of your winter tree service needs.

Tree Recovery from Ice

Tree Ice Damage FriscoTree recovery from ice can become very important this time of year in the Frisco, Grapevine and Southlake area. Here in North Texas, we may not see record snow fall…but it is likely at some point we will see ice. Tree trimming can take place before an ice storm or after. Trimming trees before an ice storm can help prevent the loss of larger limbs or the entire tree.

Ice is of course heavier than snow and can cause tree limbs to break, crack and it can even separate entire trees. Making sure your trees are trimmed will lower the chances of your trees losing limbs or being completely destroyed. However, even if your trees are pruned properly and trimmed, ice can still cause damage to them.

How you handle the damaged trees after an ice or snow storm will impact the trees ability to recover. If you find your trees covered in ice, we have a few tips for your tree health. You can of course, contact us for tree removal or tree trimming services at any time.

Removing Ice or Snow

If you trees or shrubs are covered in ice or snow, there is a specific way to remove the snow. Always sweep upwards. Start from the bottom and work you way up using a broom to sweep off the limbs. If the snow is iced on to the branches or if we only had an ice storm, let the ice melt naturally. Do not shake the tree to try and remove snow or ice, this will only increase the chance of tree damage.

It is difficult to help a large tree covered in snow or ice due to the size. If you have larger trees that you can’t reach on a regular ladder, then the best thing to do is wait. Wait until the snow and ice have melted and access the damage to the tree.

Pruning a Damaged Tree

Hire an ISA Certified Arborist to inspect the tree and consult on the best path to recovery for your tree. This could include tree trimming, fertilizer and watering.

Most trees can be pruned or cut after ice damage, however, knowing where to prune them back is incredibly important to the long-term health of the tree. Pruning in the wrong place can lead to decay, future storm damage and even tree death.

Don’t over prune your tree. Leave as many limbs as possible. If you trim too many limbs, the tree has a harder time feeding itself through photosynthesis that takes place in the leaves. After pruning a tree may appear unbalanced, especially if large sections of the tree were lost due to ice or snow. If this is the case, don’t worry, the tree will fill back in within a couple of years.

Winter Tree Service

Winter Tree Service FriscoWhat winter tree service do you need? What should you do to prepare your trees for winter? In the Southlake, Frisco and general North Texas area, winter can mean 70 degrees or 20 degrees. The difference in temperature can be extreme and the needs for your trees can vary. If we have a mild winter, your trees may need some pruning or trimming and not much more, other than water. If we have a harsh winter and we get in to February where ice is extreme, you trees may need more than tree trimming to survive.

Preparing Your Trees for Winter

1. Prune and Trim – Prune and trim trees that overhang your home, cars, garage or sidewalk. Trimming these trees helps prevent breakage. Winter stress can easily cause diseased or dead limbs to break and fall. A good pruning of any diseased or dead limbs helps protect your property from potential damage.

2. Mulch and Hydrate – Mulching and watering your trees are important in the winter months. The mulch helps provide moisture to the root system around the tree. Water from your irrigation system, rain or snow will be absorbed in to the mulch and and provide hydration for a longer period of time for the tree. Fertilizer can also be used on trees in your winter tree service. Trees need nutrients, just like your lawn.

3. Check Your Trees – As we go through winter, check your trees for new limbs that may need to be pruned. If they don’t need to be pruned you want to be aware of any damaged limbs or diseases limbs that have developed.

Winter Tree Service can vary for the area of Southlake and Frisco. Since the winter here can vary greatly, we recommend preparing for the colder icy weather. If that never unfolds, your trees are still benefiting from the trimming, fertilization and extra moisture they receive.

If you have any tree service needs, we’re ready and willing to help you with our experienced crews and certified arborists. Call 214-445-8319