LISBON, Wis. — A Milwaukee area arborist shared several recommendations on how to make sure trees are still in peak condition after the coldest months of the year.
Dan Blazer of Davey Tree Expert Company said planting native species and preparing ahead of time are some of the things that people can do to help trees survive the winter.
He also said tree cables will help them stay intact during the colder months.
“These are used often in multiple-stem trees to prevent breakage from snow and ice, also wind,” said Blazer.
Blazer said this is also a good time of year to prune your trees.
“You can identify crossing branches and deadwood very easily and we prevent disease, insect and disease transmission,” said Blazer.
Blazer said one strategy he likes to employ is the use of trunk protectors, though he said the best time to install those is during the fall. However, they can still be applied now.
“Trees that have exposed trunks are really prone to damage from deer,” said Blazer. “I put these on single-trunk trees; male bucks like to rub them generally around September, and I keep these on through March.”
For shrubs and small trees that maintain their leaves all year, Blazer recommended the anti-desiccant spray. That’s so they maintain their moisture.
He also said fallen leaves can act as a natural mulch, so it’s best to leave them in your yard.
“We’re trying to mimic the process of leaf litter breakdown and it helps retain moisture, and it gives habitat for insects, which are actually really, really important,” said Blazer.
Blazer said he wants to help people protect their trees not only because of their practical uses — like producing oxygen, improving air quality and cooling the environment — but also because they make life more fascinating.