As the winter approaches here in San Antonio, now is the perfect time to think about how to prepare your trees for the winter. While our winters are typically milder than those in other parts of the country, it’s still important to ensure your trees are ready to withstand the season. One of the most effective ways to do this is by removing deadwood from your trees before winter sets in. Let’s talk about why this is such an important step in tree care.
Preventing Storm Damage
While we don’t typically see heavy snow in our neck of the woods, winter storms and high winds can still be a concern. Deadwood – those broken, decaying, or dead branches – are at risk of falling off during gusty winds or even moderate storms. This can cause property damage, injure someone, or even harm other parts of the tree. By removing the deadwood ahead of time, you’re reducing the chance of branches breaking off unexpectedly, keeping both your tree and property safe.
Protecting Tree Health
Deadwood can also invite pests and diseases into your trees. If dead or decaying branches are left on the tree during winter, they can become breeding grounds for insects and fungi. These pests can spread to the rest of the tree, causing more damage as the tree struggles to fight off infections during the colder months. Pruning and removing deadwood ensures that your tree isn’t vulnerable to these threats and can go into the winter season healthy and strong.
Improving Tree Structure and Growth
In addition to protecting your trees from winter damage, removing deadwood can also help maintain a strong tree structure. Without the excess weight of dead branches, your tree can focus its energy on maintaining health branches and roots. This will ensure that when the spring rolls around, your tree is better equipped to flourish with new growth instead of dealing with the negative effects of deadwood that was weighing it down all season.
Safety for Your Yard and Family
Removing deadwood is a safety measure. No one wants to worry about branches falling during a winter storm, especially when they could be near your home or a busy area in your yard. By taking the time to have the deadwood removed, you’re making sure that your property and family are safe, and you can enjoy the season without concern.
Removing deadwood from your trees before winter is an essential part of proactive tree care. If you need help assessing or removing deadwood from your trees, don’t hesitate to reach out to Arboretum. We specialize in all aspects of tree care, and we’re here to help you prepare your trees for a safe, healthy winter. Call us at 210-414-3369 to learn more about the tree services we provide!
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