Tag Archives: winter tree care

Branch Breakage

 Start the new year on a safe note!  Winter weather is here and that means it’s the season for branch breakage.  Branch breakage happens during winter storms and can cause potential property damage.  Stay safe with Westchester Tree Life!

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Branch Breakage:  Understanding the Problem

Westchester’s winter storms can be abrasive.  Minimize property damage and ensure your property is safe by taking the time to check your tree branches on a clear day.  If you need help identifying branches which are susceptible to breaking, our professional arborists are more than happy to help.

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If you have deciduous trees planted on your property, take note that their wood hardens during the winter, making branches more apt to snap.  Once ice and snow accumulate, the branches are further weighed down, causing potential branch breakage risks.  Evergreen trees are also prone to branch breakage due to snow and ice accumulation.

Minimizing Branch Breakage

Routine tree maintenance is the best way to minimize tree branch breakage.  Our tree care professionals offer concise plant health care plans tailored to the specific needs of your trees, plants and shrubs.  Year-round tree maintenance is essential in protecting and preserving your trees, plants and shrubs.

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Prepare for next year by scheduling your tree maintenance, especially for fall 2017.  Good fall tree maintenance is key; this is when we prune weak and vulnerable branches.  Do you have a question or concern?  Request a consultation with one of Westchester Tree Life’s arborists with our easy-to-use online form here

Preparing Trees for Winter

Many homeowners tend to think yard work comes to a stop in the fall, but it’s important for the health of your trees to prepare them for harsh winter conditions.  By taking a few simple steps, you can help your trees weather the worst winter New England can throw at them.

Fall is the time to prepare trees for winter!

Fall is the time to prepare trees for winter!

First, spread a layer of mulch under each tree.  This will act as an extra layer of insulation to protect the tree’s roots from cold and frost.  We suggest using organic composted mulch which will will not only protect the tree, but feed it as the organic matter decomposes.

You’ll also want to continue to adequately water your trees throughout the fall.  They need water as much now as they did during the spring and summer, especially after the unusually dry conditions we’ve had over the past couple of years.  Just be sure not to water when the soil and trees are frozen.

Trees that are stressed form drought are vulnerable to winter extremes.

Trees that are stressed form drought are vulnerable to winter extremes.

Consider protecting trees from damage due to snow plows, shoveling, and hungry animals.  Young trees in particular are more susceptible to these forms of damage.  Wrapping the trunks of these trees in burlap or plastic cloth will ward off damage as well as provide additional protection against the cold.

Fall is an ideal time to prune trees.  Once the leaves have fallen, it’s easier to see the tree’s shape and structure as well as any damaged or diseased branches.  Pruning correctly is vital to the tree’s health, so for this task it is best to consult a professional.  Large trees must be pruned by a trained arborist for safety reasons as well as for the health of the tree.

Winter storms can cause major damage to weak trees.

Winter storms can cause major damage to weak trees.

You may be surprised to learn this, but fall is the ideal time of year to plant new trees!  The cooler weather stimulates root growth.  Later, the warmth and rain of spring encourages new top growth, resulting in a well established tree.  Some species of trees are best planted early in fall, while others do better when planted after becoming dormant.  Consult your garden store for the best time to plant the tree you wish to add to your yard.

At Westchester Tree Life, we strongly encourage our clients to schedule a tree inspection before winter snow and wind take their toll.  We will carefully inspect your trees for any weakness and help prepare them for the coming season.  Contact us today to schedule an inspection and learn how we can help prepare your trees for winter!

Do You Have a Dangerous Tree?

Identifying dangerous trees before winter snowstorms become the norm is a good idea if you want to maintain a safe yard and environment.  To prevent a potentially dangerous situation, checking your trees for signs of weakness is a great way to prepare for the upcoming winter months.  For a thorough tree assessment from a tree care professional, call Westchester Tree Life at (914) 238-0069!
Leaning Tree Westchester Tree Life

Dangerous Tree Risks

Before review the signs of a dangerous tree, let’s review the risks.  A falling tree can seriously injure one or multiple people, cause extensive property damage and in worst case scenarios, result in death.  To completely safeguard against dangerous tree risks, we highly recommend reaching out to Westchester Tree Life for help from a professional arborist in Westchester County.  Our certified professionals are properly trained in assessing tree health and potentially dangerous tree situations.

Fallen Tree Branch Westchester Tree Life

Ground Inspection

Leaning Tree 2 Westchester Tree Life

Begin your inspection at the base of your tree’s trunk.  Pull aside any moss or foliage which may be covering the base of your tree, as you will want a clear view of the soil surrounding the tree.  A tree’s soil features tell-tale signs of a tree’s health; for example, cracked or raised soil which is opposite to your tree’s lean may indicate root disturbances hinting that the tree is in the process of uprooting.

Branch Inspection

Strong Tree Branch Westchester Tree Life

Weak branches tend to give when under the weight of heavy snow.  To eliminate a disastrous situation, we encourage conducting a branch inspection.  We encourage our customers to conduct tree care inspections with each changing season; this helps to maintain a well-pruned tree.  If your tree is in need of dead or weak branch removal, let us take care of it!  Fill out our online consultation form here.

Other Danger Signs to Look For

Keep an eye out for tree trunks with holes or cracks in them as well as missing bark.  Tree which have tight branch growth also indicate that it may need a plant health care program.

Dangerous Tree Westchester Tree Life

For a thorough inspection of the trees on your property, we highly encourage you to have a professional arborist inspect the area.  Our professionally trained tree care specialists are able to identify any dangerous trees and offer solutions!  To receive a consultation, fill out our online form here.

Winter Tree Preparation

Are your trees ready for winter?  Double-check with Westchester Tree Life’s Winter Tree Preparation guide!  If you are unsure how to prepare your trees for winter, our tree care professionals will be happy to assist you!

Winter Tree Care Westchester County

Let Westchester Tree Life’s tree care professionals help!

Clean & Clear

Hazardous Tree Westchester Tree Life

Hazardous tree? Westchester Tree Life can remove it!

Clean and clear your property of any damaged trees which could become hazardous during a harsh winter storm.  Westchester Tree Life is certified in the professional removal of any dead and dangerous trees.  Clear your yard of any fallen leaves and debris, as well.

Prep Work

Mulching Westchester Tree Life

Prepare your trees for Westchester County’s cold New England winter by completing your annual fertilizing and mulching.  Unsure how to do this?  Let us help!  Call (914) 238-0069.  

Cabling Trees

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Cabling trees ensures that weak limbs are braced for the weight of winter’s snow and harsh winds.

Water Your Evergreens

Healthy Evergreen Trees Westchester Tree Life

To prepare your beautiful Evergreen trees for Westchester County’s winter, take care to water them!

Inspect Your Trees

Tree Inspection Westchester Tree Life

Lastly, inspect all of your trees for invasive insects or diseases.  Our team of professional arborists can assist you in creating the ideal Plant Health Care Management plan for your trees, if they are infested or diseased.  Call Westchester Tree Life here:  (914) 238-0069