Winter in Lee’s Summit brings more than just a drop in temperature. It brings ice storms, gusty winds, and freeze-thaw cycles that can wreak havoc on unprepared trees. While it may be tempting to leave your trees alone until spring, the reality is this: proactive winter tree care can make all the difference between a thriving landscape and costly damage.
Here’s what you can do right now to protect your trees from the worst of winter—plus how the certified arborists at Master’s Tree Care Experts can help.
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How Can I Winterize My Trees Before the Cold Hits?
Think of winterization as a defense plan for your trees. While most trees go dormant in cold weather, they’re still vulnerable to frost cracks, limb breakage, and root damage.
Here are five key steps to winterize your trees effectively:
- Water deeply before the ground freezes – Moist soil insulates better than dry soil and helps roots survive freeze-thaw cycles.
- Wrap young or thin-barked trees – Trees like maples or cherries are prone to sunscald. Use tree wrap from late fall until early spring.
- Inspect for pest damage – Winter is the perfect time to identify and treat insect infestations or diseases.
- Prune strategically – Removing weak or dead branches reduces the risk of storm-related breakage.
- Stake if necessary – Newly planted or unstable trees may need temporary staking to withstand high winds.
Want peace of mind? Schedule a winter tree assessment with our expert arborists to ensure nothing gets overlooked.
Should I Mulch Around My Trees Before Winter?
Absolutely. Mulching is one of the most effective and affordable ways to protect tree roots during winter.
Here’s why mulch matters in cold weather:
- Temperature Regulation: Mulch acts like insulation, protecting roots from extreme temperature fluctuations.
- Moisture Retention: It reduces evaporation and keeps soil moist longer—especially important when watering is limited.
- Physical Protection: It shields the base of the tree from snowplow injuries or freeze-related damage.
How to do it right:
- Apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch in a wide ring around the base.
- Keep it 3 inches away from the trunk to avoid rot or rodent damage.
- Use organic mulch like wood chips for best results.
If you’re unsure how much mulch to use or what type is best, our team at Master’s Tree Care Experts can create a custom mulching plan tailored to your yard.
Why Should I Prune My Trees in Late Fall or Early Winter?
Pruning during dormancy is not only safer—it’s smarter.
Here’s why late fall and early winter are ideal for tree pruning:
- Improved visibility: With no leaves in the way, arborists can see the tree’s structure more clearly.
- Less stress on the tree: Dormant trees heal faster and are less prone to disease.
- Pest and disease control: Most insects and fungi are inactive in winter, reducing the risk of infestation from fresh cuts.
- Storm preparation: Removing dead or overextended limbs reduces the chance of breakage during ice storms or heavy snow.
At Master’s Tree Care Experts, we follow ANSI A300 pruning standards, ensuring every cut is made to protect your tree’s health, not just its appearance.
Do Tree Roots Need Special Attention Before Winter?
Tree roots are the unsung heroes of winter survival—but they’re also one of the most vulnerable parts of your tree.
Cold-weather threats to roots include:
- Soil compaction from snow and ice
- Freeze damage in shallow root zones
- Nutrient depletion in poor or disturbed soil
Protect your tree’s roots by:
- Avoiding foot traffic or heavy equipment near the base of trees.
- Applying mulch to insulate roots (as mentioned above).
- Scheduling a soil test to check for compaction, pH imbalance, or nutrient deficiency.
Need expert help? Soil care and root zone management are part of our full-service offerings designed to keep your landscape healthy year-round.
When Should I Call in the Experts?
If you’re asking, “Should I prepare my trees for winter?” the answer is yes. But you don’t have to do it alone.
Consider calling Master’s Tree Care Experts if:
- You have large or mature trees near your home or driveway
- You’re unsure which branches are dead or diseased
- You’ve noticed fungus, decay, or cracking bark
- Your trees were damaged during last winter’s storms
Our certified arborists have decades of experience managing hazardous removals, structural pruning, and seasonal maintenance across the Lee’s Summit area.
Get Winter-Ready with Master’s Tree Care Experts
Don’t let winter catch your trees off guard. Whether it’s pruning, mulching, or a full health inspection, the team at Master’s Tree Care Experts is here to help protect your landscape before the first freeze hits.
Call us today at (913) 909-9768 or visit www.masterstreecareexperts.com to schedule your winter tree service.
Protect your trees now—so they can thrive come spring.