Southern California is renowned for its moderate climate, which may tempt one to assume that their plants and trees do not require any special attention as the seasons change. However, it is crucial to note that such special considerations may be more important than ever before, given the current global weather anomalies that deviate from the usual seasonal expectations.

There are several strategies for preparing and caring for trees during winter. Start by considering steps to prepare for colder weather. These include:

• Inspections: In the fall season, it’s a good practice to inspect your trees thoroughly. Look out for any signs of damage, such as broken or wilted branches or leaves. These signs could indicate a severe problem that may affect the health of your tree. Detecting these issues early on can help save the tree. However, if the damage is beyond repair, it’s best to have the tree removed before it becomes a safety hazard. Unhealthy trees tend to lose branches easily, which can cause significant damage to property or even harm people. If you’re not sure how to assess your trees, it’s recommended to seek help from a certified arborist to perform a proper assessment.
• Avoid pruning: Although most trees can be pruned at any time of the year, it is best to do so in spring or summer, except for pines, oaks, and fruit trees. If you prune before winter, the new growth from the pruned branches can be vulnerable to cold and stormy weather, leading to further damage to the tree. If you must prune, do it as far in advance of winter as possible, allowing the new branches to grow sufficiently to handle the weather. You should also follow pruning guidelines to ensure that you are cutting at the proper places in the proper manner. These techniques are the best ways to ensure your trees’ long-term health and continued growth.

The biggest hurdle with winter tree care in Southern California is preparing trees for cold stress. While Southern California stays warmer in the winter than most other areas of the country, this area also has many trees that are sensitive to dramatic weather changes and prolonged colder temperatures. It doesn’t have to be freezing to cause damage to many of these varieties.

Just as heat stress can be a major concern for trees in the summer, cold stress can be just as big a problem in the winter. While it rarely freezes in Southern California, it can happen, especially in the state’s interior and the mountains outside of the major cities. Freezing temperatures can result in cold stress damage in the form of frost cracks. These cracks are like long, open wounds on a tree, which can be an entry point for bacteria, disease, mold, and pest infestations. While you can treat a tree that has suffered from a frost crack, the best option is to prevent it from ever happening.

To protect a tree during cold spells, there are several things you can do:

• Water them: If you expect abnormally low temperatures, such as those below freezing, the best thing you can do is water your trees. Water ensures that your trees are hydrated and in moist soil, which will help them handle the stress of low temperatures. Additionally, moist soil will store heat from the sun during the day and radiate it out at night, providing some insulation for your trees.
• Add mulch to the base of your trees: Mulch can control the temperatures around your trees during the winter and protect the soil from moisture loss. When adding mulch, be sure to leave a couple of inches between the trunk and the mulch to prevent rodents from infesting.
• Leave cold damage alone: If one of your trees is damaged from the cold weather, your first instinct may be to treat it immediately, if possible. However, trees can be heartier than we think, and waiting for warm weather before pruning is best. The damaged branches or areas can also protect the rest of the tree from further damage throughout the remaining winter.

Trees are vital to creating a beautiful area to live. They can enhance our mental health and make our spaces more beautiful. To learn more about winter tree care or working with certified arborists, contact  Tree Barber today!

Recognized as a top tree care company, Tree Barber Enterprises serves thousands of residential and business customers in North County San Diego. Our Certified Arborist and Certified Tree Workers are highly skilled and extensively trained in the latest arboriculture techniques, which enables us to perform our tasks quickly, safely, and economically.