In New England, heavy snowfall is a common challenge during winter. Snow can accumulate on tree branches, particularly those of evergreens and other broad-leaved species, and cause significant stress. Excess snow can weigh down branches, making them more susceptible to breakage, which in turn could damage your tree or pose risks to your property and safety.

Steps for Snow Removal:

• Manual Snow Removal: Gently shake snow-laden branches or use a soft broom to remove the excess snow. Be cautious not to shake the branches too hard, as frozen branches are more brittle and may snap easily.
• Preventative Pruning: Before the first snowfall, ensure your trees are properly pruned. Removing dead, damaged, or weak branches reduces the risk of snow accumulation and helps maintain the tree’s structure.
• Professional Assistance: For taller or hard-to-reach trees, it’s advisable to seek professional snow removal services. At Lamb Family Tree Care LLC, we offer expert snow removal services to safeguard your trees during the winter months.

By keeping your trees free of excessive snow, you prevent damage and ensure that they emerge from the winter healthy and strong.

2. Branch Support: Using Tree Cabling and Bracing for Structural Integrity

Heavy snow and ice storms can put immense pressure on tree branches. In some cases, even healthy branches may not be strong enough to withstand the extra weight. To protect your trees, especially those with a weaker or unbalanced structure, cabling and bracing can be used to provide additional support.

What Is Tree Cabling and Bracing?

Tree cabling involves installing flexible steel cables between branches to redistribute the weight load more evenly. Bracing, on the other hand, uses rods placed within the tree's trunk to stabilize it internally. Both techniques are particularly effective for trees with multiple trunks, weak branch unions, or trees that have previously sustained damage.

Benefits of Tree Cabling and Bracing:

• Reduced Risk of Breakage: Support systems help trees withstand the pressure from heavy snow and high winds, minimizing the risk of breakage and potential property damage.
• Preservation of Tree Health: Instead of removing large or vulnerable branches, cabling and bracing can save the tree and prolong its life.
• Increased Safety: If you have trees near your home, driveway, or walkways, these support systems can prevent dangerous branches from falling during storms.

Our team at Lamb Family Tree Care LLC can assess the structural integrity of your trees and install cabling or bracing systems to protect them throughout the winter season.

3. Pest Prevention: Defending Trees from Winter Pests

Winter may seem like a dormant season for pests, but certain insects continue to pose a threat to trees even in colder months. These pests can burrow into trees, seeking warmth and shelter, which can lead to long-term damage.

Common Winter Tree Pests in Connecticut:

• Emerald Ash Borer: Although primarily active during warmer months, emerald ash borers lay eggs in tree bark, where larvae overwinter. These pests can cause significant damage to ash trees.
• Spider Mites: Some spider mites remain active in winter, feeding on evergreen foliage and weakening the tree.
• Rodents: Voles, mice, and rabbits can also become a problem during winter, as they gnaw on tree bark, especially around the base.

Pest Prevention Tips:

• Inspect and Treat Early: Winter is a good time to inspect your trees for signs of pests. At Lamb Family Tree Care LLC, we can identify potential pest problems and apply preventative treatments, such as insecticides or dormant oils, to protect your trees.
• Rodent Protection: Installing protective barriers around the base of your trees can deter rodents from gnawing on the bark. Wrapping trunks with hardware cloth or using repellents can also help.

By being proactive with pest prevention, you can ensure that your trees stay healthy throughout the winter and into the growing season.

4. Winter Pruning: Encouraging Growth and Preventing Disease

Pruning is one of the most important tasks in winter tree care. While it may seem counterintuitive to prune during the dormant season, winter is actually one of the best times to trim your trees. Pruning during dormancy reduces the risk of disease transmission and allows the tree to heal before the spring growth period.

Benefits of Winter Pruning:

• Enhanced Visibility: Without leaves, it’s easier to identify and remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
• Reduced Risk of Infection: Many tree diseases are less active in cold weather, which means pruning wounds have a lower chance of becoming infected.
• Improved Structure: Pruning encourages healthier growth patterns and prevents problems like branch crowding, which can become dangerous under heavy snow loads.

Our experts at Lamb Family Tree Care LLC can provide thorough winter tree pruning services to maintain the health and beauty of your trees.

5. Winter Watering and Mulching: Keeping Your Trees Hydrated and Insulated

Although trees need less water during winter, they still require hydration to survive. Dry winter winds can cause dehydration, especially in evergreens, which continue to lose moisture through their needles. Ensuring proper hydration and insulation is key to winter tree care.

Winter Watering Tips:



• Water Before the Freeze: Deeply water your trees in late fall before the ground freezes. This ensures that they enter winter with sufficient moisture in the soil.
• Evergreen Hydration: Pay special attention to evergreens, which are more susceptible to winter dehydration. Water them during warm spells when the ground isn’t frozen.

Mulching for Winter Protection:

Applying a layer of mulch around the base of your trees provides insulation, helping to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture. Mulch also prevents frost heaving, which can damage tree roots.

Lamb Family Tree Care LLC offers professional mulching and winter watering services to protect your trees from winter’s harsh conditions.

Contact Lamb Family Tree Care LLC for Professional Winter Tree Care

Winter tree care is essential for maintaining the health, structure, and beauty of your trees. At Lamb Family Tree Care LLC, we offer expert services tailored to meet the unique needs of trees in Uncasville, CT. From tree planting and fertilization to tree removal, our experienced team is dedicated to keeping your trees in optimal condition all winter long. Don’t wait until a problem arises—give us a call at (860) 752-0488 to schedule your winter tree care services today. Protect your trees and your property this winter with help from the professionals!

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