Winter Tree Service in Columbia, MO
Our team of certified arborists offers affordable tree care throughout mid-Missouri. From stump removal and tree trimming to lot clearing and mulching, we do it all.
As trees lose their leaves to winter conditions, it is time to prepare your yard for colder weather. A little extra maintenance this winter can improve the health of your trees and allow for a bright and full yard come spring. Don’t overlook the importance of tree care in Columbia, MO this winter 一 call the certified arborists at Arthur Ratliff for all of your tree service needs.
Due to frigid temperatures and cool air, trees and shrubs often dry out during the winter months leading to considerable damage. So how can you protect your trees and shrubs when you can’t control the temperature? Continue reading to learn about what you can do each month to ensure your outdoor space is blooming this spring.
Protect Your Trees And Shrubs This Winter With Our Full-Service Tree Care
Mulching
Help your trees and shrubs maintain moisture in the winter months by adding mulch to the areas surrounding your plants. Mulch moderates soil temperature and allows roots more time to grow before the icy cool weather of December and January hit. While there are a variety of mulch types available, our team of certified arborists provides only the best kinds of mulch to ensure the longevity of your plants. We will review both organic and non-organic options and help you make an informed decision to ensure your plants are safe this winter.
Storm Damage
While tornadoes and thunderstorms may impact your property in the spring and summer, it is important to protect your property from winter storms too. Loose branches or weak trees can come crashing down onto your property if burdened with inches of snow or ice. With regular tree trimming, you can prevent costly damages due to storms. Arthur Ratliff’s tree trimming services prevent storm damage from your nearby trees by removing dead trees, trimming wayward branches and paying special attention to weaker trees. Contact our team today if you are concerned about brittle branches causing storm damage this winter.
Monthly Tips To Defend Your Trees This Winter From The Certified Arborists In Columbia, MO
December
- Inspect the trees and shrubs in your yard for volcano mulching. Volcano mulching is “mulch piled high around the base or trunk of the plant,” according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. While mulching is crucial to keeping moisture in the ground, having it too close to the trunk of the tree can result in girdling roots as well as insect and rodent problems. If you are unsure of how close mulch should be to your trees, contact our team of certified arborists today.
- Remove snow from trees. Heavy snow on trees and shrubs can often lead to breakage and damage to your property. Carefully brush snow off before it melts and refreezes or becomes too difficult to remove. If ice has already accumulated, allow it to melt off. Ice causes branches to become brittle and easily broken, it is best to allow it to melt.
January
- Gently brush snow from limbs. Routinely brush snow from your trees throughout January to ensure your branches do not have too much weight on them. A few inches of snow can quickly become heavy, so remove it promptly after a heavy snowfall.
- Prune limbs damaged by ice or snow. To prevent the bark from tearing, prune limbs damaged from ice and snow. Not sure how to properly prune your branches without causing further damage? No worries, call our team of experts today!
- Refrain from walking on a frozen lawn. Walking on your frozen lawn may create dead spots come spring due to the breaking of the grass. If possible, avoid walking on frozen grass this winter to ensure your lawn is lucious and green when winter passes.
February
- Keep foot traffic on the lawn low. As the snow begins to melt, the lawn will often be damp or muddy. Reduce your foot traffic to ensure your lawn is not damaged.
- Be cautious of late winter storms. After a long winter, many homeowners get excited for the first day of spring and may even begin planting new plants too early. It is crucial to be cautious of Missouri’s late winter storms that may bring more ice and snow. Don’t think winter is over after the first warm day. Ensure your plants are healthy and safe all the way through February and into March.
Why You Should Hire Certified Arborists
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to protect your trees and shrubs during the winter. Even better, our family-owned and operated business is here to help you so you won’t have to worry about mulching, watering, or removing dead branches this winter. Serving mid-Missouri since 1998, our family knows how important your family and property are to you. With our dedicated team and extensive services, you can trust your landscape will be ready for whatever winter may bring them this year.