While there are days lately it seems spring is just around the corner, most trees will not start to sprout their luscious green foliage for a few more weeks. Our beloved trees don’t look as striking without their green crown, but there are advantages to their nudity. One being a clearer sightline to obvious disease or damage. Even a seasoned arborist may have a harder time identifying an issue when affected bark is camouflaged by leaves. Without any obstructions, any of the tell-tale signs on the stems and bark of the tree are easier to identify and treat.

During the wintertime, many trees are “dormant.” During this period, according to “The A-Z of Tree Terms a companion to British arboriculture”, dormancy is defined as being “In the buds and seeds of temperate trees, a state of quiescence which minimizes activity during winter and which cannot be overcome by warm weather.” This phase in the trees life can be a good opportunity for pruning, especially if the tree is infected with a fungus or bacteria, such as fire blight. Since the tree is not actively transporting water and nutrients through the cambium, it is also not at risk of spreading the infection when pruned. However, when pruned properly by a professional arborist, any time of year is safe to do so.

Being the Rocky Mountains, we are still due for some snow storms, which can cause breakage in trees with potential damage to property. If you hadn’t arranged for preventative pruning in the fall, you can still mitigate snow damage with pruning in the winter and early spring. Additionally, local tree companies may offer a lower winter rate since it is a slower part of the year.

While we all await longer, warmer days and some green, start planning ahead. Keep in mind as soon as everyone is out taking stock of their yard and surroundings, tree companies are flooded with calls and schedules quickly fill up. Get ahead of the game and start planning for your trees maintenance in the spring and summer. Things to consider are declining trees which may need fertilizer or pest control, messy crossing branches, removals for a new building project and anything else concerning the health or aesthetics of your trees. Not sure what your trees may need? Call an arborist for a free consultation.