OPINION: Helpful tips to keep your trees healthy this winter

MOUNT FOREST – Winter can be an excellent time to prune trees, but not many people think this is the case. 

While trees are dormant, pruning offers several advantages that can help homeowners maintain healthy trees and prepare their landscapes for the seasons ahead.

One of the main benefits of winter pruning is improved visibility, specifically for deciduous trees. 

Without leaves, the branches of deciduous trees are easier to see. 

But you’re probably wondering how you can tell what branches are dead versus not in the winter without the leaves? 

Well, get out the magnifying glass folks; winter buds will provide helpful clues when assessing branch health and identifying limbs that require reduction or removal.

Cooler temperatures can reduce the activity of pests and diseases, making winter ideal for pruning trees. 

Snow can also provide a cushion barrier for branches as they fall, helping to reduce impacts on garden beds and surrounding vegetation.

Many conifers do not readily produce new growth from older, bare wood. 

Instead, new growth develops from buds on existing branches, known as candles in species such as pines. 

Understanding how your conifer grows is essential to ensure proper pruning and maintaining its health and natural shape. 

When in doubt, consult a qualified arborist for species-specific advice.

Tips and tricks

As a general guideline, aim to remove no more than 25 per cent of a tree’s live canopy in a single growing season. 

The appropriate amount will depend on the tree’s species, age, health and condition. 

Know when to seek professional consultation too.

Have tree related questions for the next article? I’m trying to be the Paul Zammit for trees. 

Email me at Tobertree@gmail.com.

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Manuela De Medeiros is an International Society of Arboriculture certified arborist and a member of the Mount Forest Green Team.