Winter Tree Care: Protecting Your Trees Before the Snow Flies

It only takes one night of heavy, wet snow to turn a strong branch into a broken one. Every year, we see storm after storm leave behind cracked maples, split birches, and toppled spruce across the Kawarthas. Most of those failures aren’t random; rather, they’re the result of small weaknesses that went unnoticed throughout the season.

The good news is that most storm damage is almost always preventable. A bit of time spent on winter tree care now can spare you the cost and heartache of losing a mature tree come January.

1. Start with a Structural Check

Before the snow loads up, take a walk around your property and really look at your trees. Not just the leaves and bark, but how the branches attach.

What you’re looking for:

• Tight, V-shaped unions (where bark grows inward between two branches). These are classic failure points under ice.

• Cracks or seams in major limbs or the trunk.

• Overextended limbs reaching over driveways or roofs.

  
  

If you’re unsure, this is where a certified arborist earns their keep. We can spot decay indicators and structural imbalances before they become a hazard.

2. Prune with Purpose

Late fall or winter is a great time to prune. The tree is dormant, pests are inactive, and the structure is easier to see without leaves. Proper pruning isn’t about “shaping”; it’s about reducing stress.

We remove overextended limbs, eliminate crossing branches that rub and weaken each other, and open the canopy so wind can move through instead of pushing against it.

3. Give Young Trees a Fighting Chance

Pro Tip! Add a few inches of mulch around the dripline (keeping a couple inches away from the trunk) to help insulate the roots from extreme temperature swings, retain water, and add helpful organics to the soil.

4. Mind the Soil and Drainage

Roots do the heavy lifting. If water is pooling around the base, oxygen flow gets cut off. That’s when you start to see die-back and fungal issues later on.

Check that the ground slopes gently away from trunks and that mulch forms a flat ring, not a volcano. If your soil stays soggy after rain, it’s worth addressing before frost sets in.

5. Know When It’s Beyond DIY

If you notice a tree leaning, see fungus around the base, or find major cracks, resist the urge to wait until spring. Structural failure under ice can happen overnight. Professional assessment now is much less expensive than emergency removal later, and a whole lot safer.

6. A Realistic Perspective

Trees are remarkably resilient, but even the strongest need a hand in our climate. The ones that come through winter best are those with good structure, sound root systems, and owners who keep an eye on them year-round.

7. The Importance of Regular Inspections

Regular inspections are key to maintaining tree health. By scheduling seasonal check-ups, you can catch potential issues early. This proactive approach not only protects your trees but also enhances the beauty and safety of your property.

8. Book a Winter Inspection

Our team at Elevated Arboriculture works throughout the Peterborough and Kawarthas region assessing, pruning, and securing trees before the worst weather hits. If you have any questions or concerns about your tree's health as the cold season approaches, we're here to help!

📞 (705) 312-6905 | Request a Winter Inspection →