December 2016

We may sound like a broken record when we talk about watering trees in the winter, but somehow this crucial practice remains one of the most overlooked tasks of caring for trees in Colorado. Maintaining adequate soil moisture helps to prevent unnecessary root loss due to desiccation. It is always our hope that Mother Nature will provide snow or rain at evenly spaced intervals, but as is the case this fall and winter, we have barley had any precipitation since August.

This extremely dry and warm weather pattern has put added stress on many of our trees, young and old. It then becomes imperative for us to supplement water whenever possible. Applying water in the winter can sometimes be a major pain in the butt as temperatures get colder. Pulling garden hoses out of your garage is no fun, and leaving them outside overnight often results in crunchy and frozen hoses by morning.

Fortunately, we are available to take this chore of your “to-do” list. Our equipment is designed to deliver large volumes of water quickly and efficiently. We also add a soil conditioner that helps to keep the soil moist longer and improves soil structure. Our deep root watering and soil drenching will supply water to the critical root zones of your trees without damaging any irrigation lines.

The benefit of winter watering to improve tree health is unmistakable. Give us a call if you have questions about winter watering for your trees and shrubs. We would be happy to evaluate your property to ensure the best spring possible next year.

While the winter months is not a normal time to think about lawn care, there are a few things everyone can do to keep lawns in the best condition possible for greening up when spring arrives.
Keep Lawn Areas Clean:

It is not uncommon for items to be left out and forgotten about once the snow starts to fall. This year we had a late fall and a very fast cool down, so many lawns now have leaves and other debris on them that is normally cleaned up before the harsh cold hits. During periods of milder weather it is good idea to do what you can to get leaves and other debris off the lawn. Also keep your eye out for larger items: Stray chunks of fire wood, dog toys, rakes, and even lawn furniture can leave dead spots on the lawn they left sitting in the same place all winter long.

Also, it is often times more difficult to pick up pet waste, but when the snow clears, making an effort to pick up after pets will prevent heavy spotting and prevent the need to do seeding or even replacing areas of the lawn.

The best way to make sure your lawn stays clear of foreign objects is to do an occasional sweep of the lawn

Icy walks are treacherous and some salt or other ice-melting products are needed to prevent slips and falls. As fate has it, it tends to be the same areas that need this since it is in a shady or north facing area. Unfortunately, these products can damage the lawn as well. To lessen the impact of salt or other ice-melt products, use them only when needed. It is a good idea to shovel the areas first so there is less runoff going into the grass, and do not over apply the deicing products. 

Wrapping young and/or thin barked trees in the winter is helpful to prevent sunscald in the winter. Trunk wrapping paper provides a layer of protection from the large temperature shifts and intense southwestern sun exposure we experience in the winter. Preventing trunk damage ensures your trees vascular system will be able to move water, sugar, and nutrients throughout the plant.