Winter can provide a wonderful break from unwanted insects and pests. The colder temperatures can reduce insect populations and leave your yard feeling more peaceful. But does that mean your trees and shrubs are safe from pests, insects, and fungi during the winter months? Here’s what your
plant health care team wants you to know about winter weather and those unwanted pests.
Pests and Fungi Can Survive Freezing Temperatures
Believe it or not, both pests and fungi that can damage your trees can survive the colder temperatures. How? Many go dormant and take up residence beneath the bark of your trees and shrubs. This is enough to insulate them from the super-cold weather. Once the temperatures warm up during the spring, those insects and spores may become active again and able to damage your trees or spread infection throughout your landscaping.
How to Deal With Winter Pest Issues
Though unwanted pests and fungi can survive the winter, there are still things you can do to reduce your risk of significant damage and to better protect your trees. Here’s how you can better set your trees up for success and protect them from pests and hazards:
Schedule a tree trimming appointment: Staying on top of routine pruning and
trimming is a great way to protect your trees and make them less vulnerable to damage. Dead or excess growth removal will help the tree preserve nutrients and resources so it can better stave off the effects of pests and fungal growth during the colder months. Even better, your tree trimming team may be able to remove the infected part of the tree, sparing the rest of the tree and your property from further infection.
Treat known problems now: If you have emerald ash borers on your property or know that you have other types of pests, you may be able to treat them during the winter months. Schedule an appointment with your plant health care team and let them guide you. They’ll be able to assess the damage and the extent of the infestation and can create a treatment plan that will work best for your trees.
Water during times of drought: Though trees are dormant during the winter months, they can still benefit from watering during dry months. Ask your plant health care specialist for advice and see how often you should water your trees during the winter. Stick to that watering schedule as best you can. This will help your trees better stave off disease and be more resistant to pests well into spring.
Keep in mind that the exact treatment methods you’ll need to use on your property will depend on the types of trees you have. Let a professional guide you through the process and you’ll be better able to keep your trees happy and healthy.
Don’t Let Pests Destroy Your Trees This Winter
If you’re worried about possible pests, insects, and fungal growth hurting your trees this winter, don’t wait until it’s too late to do something about it.
Contact Root Tree Service today to schedule an appointment and let our experts help you keep your trees in great condition year-round.