How to Prepare Your Trees for Omaha’s Winter Weather
Winter in Omaha can be rough on your trees, but that’s nothing to concern yourself with. You can do a lot to help them overcome it and come through stronger than ever in the next growing season. Freezing temperatures and icy storms are coming soon. Here’s how to ensure your trees are ready to survive and thrive through winter. Follow these winter tree care tips and prepare your trees for Omaha’s harsh winter weather.
How to Prepare Your Trees for Omaha’s Winter Weather
Step #1 – Know the Omaha Winter Weather
Let’s face it: Omaha winters aren’t exactly mild. Temperatures drop below 20° F regularly, and cold weather often lasts for months. Add in some ice storms and heavy snow, and your trees genuinely are put to the test. That’s why it’s extra important to prep them before winter sets in.
Step #2 – Choose Trees That Are Appropriate for the Omaha USDA Zone
Because Omaha is part of USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, select tree species that are cold-hardy and down to -15°F. The native oak, maple, and honeylocust trees have adapted to our winter conditions. They’ve been here thriving for ages, so they’re your best bet for long-term success.
Step #3 – Prune Trees Before the Freeze
Pruning is one of the best ways to prepare your trees before the winter months hit. Do it before the first frost and remove dead or diseased branches. This reduces the risk of limbs breaking under the heavy snow.
Just be sure your tools are clean and sharp; cutting at the branch collar allows the tree to heal properly. Avoid major pruning too late in the season because frost may damage new growth. For the best results, contact your local tree care provider to properly prune your trees.
Step #4 – Prepare Your Trees for Omaha’s Weather With Mulch for Insulation
A good layer of mulch around the base of your trees provides a nice winter blanket. It will help modulate soil temperature, keeping it warm and less prone to freeze solid. Just be careful not to build up the mulch against the trunk; that’s a recipe for rot. Stick with two to three inches of organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw, and spread it around the tree’s drip line.
Additional Reading: What Not to Do When Mulching?
Step #5 – Water Smart
Your trees need water in the winter, primarily when the ground is not frozen. Winter winds and cold dry out the soil, stressing your trees. Deep watering before the freeze helps them build up their moisture reserves.
Avoid watering trees when the ground is frozen or immediately after a snowstorm. This could cause waterlogged roots, which is unhealthy for your tree’s root system.
Step #6 – Safeguard Young Trees
If you have immature or newly planted trees and shrubs, they’ll need more attention. Wrap the trunk of your tree with tree wrap or burlap. This will protect the tree trunk from frost and sunscald.
This is especially important for maple and birch trees. Take the wrap off early in spring to avoid building up moisture that could invite rot or pests.
Step #7 – Safeguard Your Trees from Snow and Ice
Snow and ice may damage your trees, so if heavy snow clings to the canopy, gently brush it off with a broom to avoid breakage. Shaking the branches themselves will cause more harm than good, and they might drop on you, causing a severe injury. If you must use salt and or other de-icing products on your sidewalks, make tree-friendly choices to avoid harming the roots or soil.
Step #8 – Check for Pests and Diseases
Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean the pests and diseases take a holiday. Inspect your trees for unusual markings or leaf damage that signals a problem. If you notice anything unusual, treat it with an organic product.
Congratulations! Your Trees are Winter Ready!
Get your trees through the chilling Omaha winter with this step-by-step guide. With proper care, they’ll return when the warm months arrive with health and vigor.
Here’s to a lush, healthy yard with looming leafy giants all year round!
Omaha Tree Service
Before you decide to remove a tree yourself, consider consulting with a local Omaha tree removal service. These experts can provide a safe, efficient, and legally compliant solution to your tree problems, ensuring your property and safety are protected. At Omaha Tree, our mission is to provide tree care services & mulch products that improve the HEALTH, BEAUTY, & SAFETY of our customers’ trees. We recycle all of our wood waste material from the trees we trim and remove in the greater Omaha metro area. The wood waste material is brought back to our 8-acre site at 3606 McKinley Street, where it is processed into a beautiful & consistent mulch product that is local, fresh, and clean. Contact a certified arborist today.
