Denver is arid, that means trees and grass are always at risk throughout the winter months. We understand this is challenging, but as experts we want to help you understand the dangers of winter and some ways to protect your precious landscape and replenish it as the winter passes.

Trees

Dead branches are always a danger to your tree, but especially in winter. Snow or ice build-up can cause a branch to break off the tree, damaging it. Even more so, early or late snows, while leaves are still on trees can cause even greater damage to live branches.

Sun damage is also a concern in the winter. Here in Denver, the sun can be intense throughout the year. In the winter, trees do not have their leaves to shade themselves, plus the sun is lower in the sky allowing a more direct angle to the south and south-west sides of tree trunks. The direct late afternoon exposure can cause trees trunks to crack, especially on thin barked and young trees. Applying tree wrap, or better yet shading the trunk from direct afternoon sun can help to protect trees from this.

Dehydration, or drought stress, is another significant winter issue for plants that live in the Front Range. Our soils are typically dense clay that is not capable of holding moisture, and our typical snow is dry. On average it takes 12” of snow to equal 1” of water. Do not assume that a few light snows are providing enough water to keep trees healthy. Supplemental watering should be considered on a monthly basis. You may need to actually feel the soil a few inches deep to determine if it is time to water or not. Adding a 3” to 4” deep layer of organic mulch around the base of trees will help retain and conserve up to 30% of the moisture received. Mulch also adds much needed organics to our soil. Be sure to keep mulch a few inches away from tree trunks.

Turf grass

Turf grass is also susceptible to winter issues. First and foremost keep the lawn healthy throughout the season with proper watering, fertilization and mowing. Mow at 2.5” to 3“ height. Keep lawn mower blades sharp and water deeply as opposed to often. Watering to 3” to 4” deep allows the turf roots to grow deeper where they are more drought resistant.

In the fall, rake leaves off before winter sets in as matted leaves will cause dead patches and allow disease to be a bigger potential problem. Lawn mites can be very problematic in the fall and winter, especially on south and sun exposed areas. Periodic watering of exposed areas can keep mite populations down, but in severe cases mite sprays may be needed to obtain control.  During extended dry winter periods a good through overall lawn watering is very helpful.

Feel free to contact us if you have questions related to any tree or landscape care concern.