Solutions to common tree problems in the Winter in Biltmore Forest, NC
In this section we are going to go over some of the solutions to common tree problems such as frost cracking, winter droughts, and late growth cycles. The truth is there is little to nothing we can do about frost cracking during the winter. Healthy trees will be able to cover up there wounds, and heal themselves to some extent. In some cases you may want to wrap the bark up with tree blankets. This can help to prevent cracking, damage, and drought during the winter. The best way to avoid late growth cycle problems during the winter is to make sure you prune your trees at the right time.
Your trees shouldn’t be pruned until sometime after dormancy has occurred. This tends to be late in the fall, and works because pruning will often inspire large expansions and growth afterwards. During this time you want to avoid using fertilizers with high nitrogen content as well.
Drought is by far the hardest problem to avoid during the winter. The best case scenario is to place a sizeable layer of mulch down around the foundation of the tree. You should do this in the late fall. The purpose of the mulch is to collect moisture for the trees roots, and help to manage temperature for the trees roots. Furthermore, the mulch should help to slow evaporation, and runoff of water.
