Winter Update

Hello! Every so often we send out an update for people who are interested in how seasonal conditions may affect their trees. It is important to note that the winter of 2007-2008 holds good news and bad news for trees in the upcoming growing season.

In the earlier winter months we saw steady snow cover on the ground, like in the "good old days". This is beneficial in a couple of ways. Snow insulates the ground and protects tree roots from the damage due to cycles of freezing, thawing and drying out. The snow melt in the spring should also help recharge soil moisture levels that have been inconsistent.

Unfortunately, the fluctuations of extreme temperatures in the last several weeks have created extensive icy areas on paved surfaces (roads, parking lots, sidewalks etc). Lots of ice means using lots of de-icing salts. By the time spring arrives, it is easy to forget that these salts have been drifting from road splash onto trees for weeks at a time. These salts have also been dissolving into the soil. The University of Minnesota points out that salt damage to trees looks very similar to drought damage, as both involve drying out the roots and other parts of the tree. To minimize root damage due to accumulated salts in the soil, it is a good idea in the spring, to thoroughly irrigate soils near paved surfaces to dilute and rinse out the salt.

Lastly, we should also point out that now is the time to sign up for pruning your trees, especially if you have oaks or elms. We still have a number of weeks to get these types of trees trimmed before disease concerns prevent us from pruning them. If you need one of our arborists to come out to look at your trees, let us know. They have the answers to any questions you might have regarding pruning issues. Remember pruning estimates won’t cost you anything.

Send us an email on our “Contact Us” page or call us at 952-922-3810 to set up an appointment. We would love to hear from you.

Kent Honl
Board-Certified Master Arborist

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