How to Protect North Texas Trees From Freeze

Date November 04, 2022

Category

Author TreeNewal Staff

As North Texans, we’re all too familiar with the sudden cold front that tells us winter has arrived. While it can be refreshing to see temperatures in the mid-30s after a long period of 100+ degree weather, our trees may not feel the same! Frost and freeze can cause irreversible damage to North Texas trees if they’re not properly prepared, so it’s essential that we take steps to keep them safe and healthy throughout the season. In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about caring for your trees during winter. Stay warm, and don’t let freeze damage your trees!

How to Keep Trees Healthy This Winter

Preventative care is always easier than damage control, so the best way to protect your trees from freeze is by keeping them healthy year-round through professional tree care services. Trees recovering from disease, infestation, or other environmental stressors are more vulnerable and risk irreparable freeze damage.
If your tree shows signs of disease, pests, or stress, contact a Dallas tree care specialist before it’s too late! A TreeNewal tree doctor can diagnose your tree’s health and provide a comprehensive tree maintenance plan to ensure your trees are well-equipped with everything they need to make it through this winter.

Winter Tree Watering

It may not seem like it, but winter tree watering is one of the most effective ways to protect North Texas trees from freeze damage. Water acts as an insulator between the soil and tree roots. Moist soil keeps the roots warmer than dry, and the added insulation helps minimize the risk of freezing. Watering your trees before freeze sets in also allows for further root development. Additionally, hydrated plant cells are better equipped to protect trees against cold weather. Here are some best practices for winter tree watering:

  •  If the forecast predicts rain and freezing temperatures, water your tree deeply one or two days before.
  •  Watering early during the day will allow for greater root absorption.
  •  Avoid watering when temperatures are below 40 degrees F and when there is snow on the ground.
  •  Focus on watering the tree’s dripline, paying careful attention not to get the leaves, trunk, or branches wet. Any exposed water can quickly turn to frost and can cause detrimental harm to your tree.

Mulch North Texas Trees

Another proactive way to prepare your trees for winter is to apply mulch around the base or refresh the existing mulch bed. Mulch acts as an insulator between the air and the soil, buffering tree roots against dramatic weather changes. Mulch also helps retain moisture in the ground near your tree, which is exceptionally beneficial for dry winters and trees that get very little residual moisture. Like winter tree watering, keep the mulch away from the trunk and avoid piling it too high around the tree’s base. It’s best to till the soil and apply mulch to a depth of about 2-4 inches to ensure thorough and even coverage.

Covering Plants for Freeze

As we layer up and brace for the wind chill, we can help our trees do the same! Covering plants for freeze can help protect them from cold temperatures and reduce the risk of frost damage. However, not all trees need to be bundled up. Healthy mature trees often require less attention than newly planted or transplanted trees, and knowing which tree may need extra protection depends on their hardiness zone. Tropical trees native to warmer climates may also benefit from wrapping if freezing temperatures are on the horizon. If you’re unsure whether your plant needs to be covered, call an ISA Certified Arborist at (817) 592-6846 and enjoy tailored tree care advice.

When covering trees for freeze, it’s imperative to use a material that offers protection while allowing them to breathe. Some options are burlap, frost blankets, landscaping fabric, sheets, or towels. While plastic may seem like an easy solution, it can restrict breathing and trap moisture, causing more harm than good. It’s recommended to wrap your tree before it gets dark and promptly uncover it when temperatures begin to warm up.

How TreeNewal Can Help

While we can’t control the weather, there are necessary steps we can take to protect our trees from freeze and the lasting effects of its damage. The key to keeping trees healthy this winter and beyond is through proactive care and preventative maintenance. TreeNewal offers industry-leading ISA Certifed Arborist tree services to residential and commercial property owners in Dallas, Fort Worth, Southlake, Westlake, Denton, Flower Mound, and Argyle. We’ve helped more North Texas trees than we can count make it through the winter, and we can do the same for yours! For the best tree care services in North Texas, call (817) 592-6846 today.

To learn more about How to Protect North Texas Trees From Freeze, call our Argyle and Southlake-based teams

at (817) 592-6846 or send us a message.

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