It's IMPORTANT! Wrap your trees this fall.

There are two primary reasons people lose trees in the winter. The most important thing anyone can do is deep water in the fall! (also applies to shrubs, perennials, and most woody stemmed plants). The second reason we see folks come in each spring with tree problems are those caused by not wrapping the tree through the winter.

The first question we typically ask folks is "what condition is the bark and which side of the bark is damaged". Bark that is damaged on the South and West sides of the tree usually indicate sun scorch. There are certainly other problems that can cause a tree to suffer, but water and winter sun damage are the two primary reasons trees don't leaf properly or at all in the spring. This is especially true if the tree with into the fall looking healthy. Bark damage can also allow insects to cause damage.

Why does bark damage occur in the winter? Healthy trees typically have fairly dense foliage from spring through fall, then losing its foliage in late fall. This in turn allows the sun to scorch the bark. You might also keep in mind that during the months when there is snow on the ground that the sun also reflects off the snow, thus causing additional damage to the tree.

A healthy tree that is properly watered, fertilized, and cared for is a tree that you seldom see suffering from insects or disease problems.

Charlie Hartman - Idaho Certified Nurseryman

The Home & Garden Store - Boise, Idaho

Ph: 208.917.4820