As the days grow longer and each morning it becomes increasingly more difficult to drag yourself from beneath the nice warm duvet, spare a thought for the trees in your garden. Winter is coming.

They may seem hardy enough to handle anything, but as temperatures plummet, your trees will face the elements in full force, a barrage of wind, rain and sleet, and maybe even a coating of snow over the coming months.

Below, I’ve have listed the six most important ways in which you can prepare your garden and trees for winter so, come spring, they will be as full of the joys as you are!

1. Cleaning up your garden

Before you do anything else, we would recommend preparing your outdoor space for winter by removing any dead trees, fallen branches and leaves. Not only does this make your garden look so much better, but it will also be safer - dead trees are less stable and the weight of snow or strong winds can, therefore, cause them to fall. Loose debris can also be whipped up in strong winds and damage property or other trees. Too much organic material lying about in your garden could also increase the chances of waterlogging, which once again is not a good thing for your trees.

2. Prune your trees

A little last-minute pruning is an important way to improve the strength of your remaining trees through the winter months and beyond. Removing weaker branches can prevent them from falling and causing damage, and reducing the density of the canopy of your trees will allow wind to pass more easily through the branches. This stops them acting as a sail in high winds, as that could fell your tree.

3. Protect your trees from winter weather

Throughout most of the year your trees enjoy protection from the sun due to their thick layer of leaves; however, when the leaves die and fall away, the winter sun can cause damage to the bark. Specially designed tree-wraps or guards protect against the onslaught from the weather as well as animals and other arboreal attackers! The often extreme force of the elements in winter means it is extra important to check  that any supporting stakes and ties are also secure.

4. Feed and water your trees

You may be surprised to hear that your trees are just as susceptible to thirst issues in the winter as they are in the warmer months, so it is important to give your trees access to adequate water supplies. Be sure to do this when the ground isn’t frozen. Mulch or compost is a great way to reduce temperature extremes and fluctuations as well as helping your trees retain that all-important moisture. Make sure you  leave a gap of around 6 inches between the trunk and the mulch to discourage fungus and other nasties!

5. Check your trees for signs of disease

During the winter it's much easier to check plants and trees for signs of disease, as there aren't many leaves in the way of the branches or trunk. Make sure to check the bark for any fungal growth or areas that look discoloured or rotten. Spotting these signs early will give you time to treat the tree or plant before the problem spreads or weakens it further. If you're unsure what to look for, it's worth getting a professional to check for you.

6. Plan ahead for Spring

Winter gardening isn't all about damage control. It's a great time to think about your spring garden plans. Take a walk around your garden and check whether any trees need reshaping, if there are gaps for new planting, or if certain areas need more light. Making your plans now will help you hit the ground running when the warmer weather arrives.

Need help preparing your garden for winter? From pruning to health checks to removing dead or damaged trees, the team at Thor’s Trees is here to help. Get in touch today for friendly advice and a free quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I plant trees in winter?

Surprisingly, the period between November and March is the best time to plant trees, as long as the ground is not waterlogged or frozen. This gives them the perfect opportunity to establish their roots before the growing season begins in spring.

Should I remove snow from my trees?

If there is a light dusting of snow on your trees, this is usually fine to leave. However, if you notice a heavy build-up of snow on your branches, it's best to gently brush it off. This will help prevent the weight of the snow from snapping the branches. Make sure to brush the snow upwards, not downwards, as this could put extra pressure on the branch.

Is it too late to prune my trees in winter

Not at all. The winter season from November to March is the best time to prune most trees. The only exception is stone fruit trees such as cherries and plums, which are best pruned during the summer months to avoid disease.