Even when trees become dormant during winter, they still need a little intervention from you. They still need to be cared for to make sure their health doesn't get affected by the harsh cold weather here in Green Bay, WI. Here are some of the things you can do to help your trees during the cold winter season.

Water Until the Ground Freezes

You might think that trees no longer need much water because the warm season has ended, but this is not true. Fall can also be a dry season at times, and your trees need water to make it thrive. You should water your trees in the fall and when the winter season begins until the ground freezes.

If you have newly planted trees, they have to be watered continuously because they still have small roots. When you water your plants, make sure that you do it slowly and go low because you want to ensure water goes directly to the root structure. You should consider the species of the tree when it comes to the amount and length of time spent watering it for optimum results. If you are not sure about this detail, then it is better to consult a tree expert.

Many homeowners love having oak trees in their yard because of its beautiful structure that adds character to any backyard. Oak trees are generally loved for its density, hardness, and durability. They are mostly used as lumber for manufacturing furniture and building beans. However, because of diseases that cause these majestic trees to die, homeowners try their best to help their trees to the battle epidemic by proper maintenance. Many people fail to take care of their oak trees that result for the tree to die. That is why it is highly recommended to use a professional tree service for this purpose
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Below are some simple guidelines you can follow to properly care for your oak tree.

Unlike other trees that need much watering, with oak trees, less is better. They live through minimal water supplement, even during the dry season. You should never water your oak tree more than once a month. 

​Avoid over pruning because it can hurt the oak tree even more. It will also help if you know the type of oak is in your yard because their needs differ based on their kind. Deciduous oaks require more maintenance than evergreens. If you are not sure which type of oak you have, you can always call a professional to help you.

Regular fertilization is as important as pruning when it comes to keeping your oak healthy. Although fallen leaves become natural fertilizers, supplementary fertilizing is still needed. Fertilization should be done in spring, late summer, and autumn. 

There are a lot of diseases that can affect oak trees that is why it is crucial to do regular visual inspections. Some parts of the trees that need to be inspected include the bark and leaves. The physical states of these parts of the oak tree say a lot about their overall health. For example, bark sprout cracks usually indicate that the oak tree is healthy while discolored or loose bark may denote that the tree is diseased. Try to educate yourself about these visual pieces of evidence of the health of your oak tree. You might just save your tree by doing so.

Click here for more information about Oak tree care.  

​Once a tree is removed from your backyard, it may leave behind space. A great idea to fill this space is by planting a new tree as a symbol of beginning. 

Be careful though; you have to watch out for any signs of disease or insects that the old tree has left behind to avoid cutting down the new one.

Here are a few tips for planting a new tree.

When a tree is removed, it leaves behind the bottom part projecting from the ground; this is called a stump. As they decay stumps consume nitrogen from the soil, thus increasing the acidity and affecting its nutrient balance. Other than this here are more reasons to get rid of the stump:

• Unappealing - If you’re landscaping your garden and concerned about how it looks, removing the stump is a top priority
• Unwanted Tree Growth - Leaving a stump where it is will cause random sprouts to pop up. These sprouts will grow up into unwanted trees that will steal nutrients from other surrounding plants.
• Attracts Disease and Insects - Stumps rot and insects see this as a perfect nest to settle in. These insects are possibly carrying different types of disease, and a stump is an ideal breeding ground for them.
• Prone to Accidents - Someone can trip on the stump, or it can accidentally damage the lawn mower.

To ensure the health of a new tree, clean out whatever the old one has left behind like stumps, sawdust, and roots that will hinder growth.

If a disease was the cause of why the old tree was removed, the pathogen could still be lurking in the soil. This could lead to replant disease, also known as “sick soil syndrome.”  Trees susceptible to this issue include:

• Cherry
• Citrus
• Apple
• Pine
• Pear
• Spruce

To avoid the disease, make sure to remove the entire tree and replace the old soil with fresh soil. Sterilizing the garden tools that came in contact with the infected tree should also be done. 

Choosing a type of tree species that is resilient is a good idea if you want your new tree to Iive for a long time. Here is a list of a few examples:

• Star Acacia
• Red Flowering Gum
• Macedonian Pine
• Mom dell Pine
• Chilean Wine Palm

Always consider the kind of climate around your area when choosing what tree you want to plant. For example, tropical trees won’t grow well in a cold environment and vice versa. If you live somewhere in Atlanta, buying a tree that can withstand a temperature of 10 degrees and below would be a good choice.

If it tempts you to replant because you lost a tree to disease or because of decay, it is best to prepare the planting site for a year to give the roots time to decompose. 

Tree removal companies, like Green Bay Tree Service, have trained their technicians to remove trees safely. They protect both the health of your property while preserving the tree.  We have experience handling local tree issues for almost 20 years, and we can help find the solution best for you - whether you want a tree removed, disease management, or tree trimming services.  Call us at 920-212-4460 or contact us here for a free quote.

We love tree care, but we also love to travel around Brown county serving customers with tree service needs.  Our work and passion takes us to De Pere, Suamico, Ledgeview, Denmark, Scott, Holland, Pittsfield, Glenmore, Morrison, Eaton, Lawerence, New Denmark, Greenleaf, Rockland, Howard, Hobart, Ashwaubenon, Humboldt, New Franken, Bellevue, Oneida, and Allouez.  All these communities of Brown county are our friends and customers.  We travel around the county because we love meeting people and helping them with their tree care needs.  Whether it is a tree removal, tree trimming, stump grinding, or some other tree-related service, we travel throughout the area because we love what we do: meeting people and working on their trees.  

We service all the adjacent counties and cities to Brown county.  These include Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Calumet, Outagamie, Shawano, and Oconto.   These areas are a bit further for us to drive, but we do so nonetheless as we know many of these communities don't have quality tree service professional to choose from.   When we say we are the tree service Green Bay residents trust and depend on, what we really mean is we are the tree service the entire Brown county and surrounding counties can trust and depend on.

Pruning and trimming your trees in winter is always the best season for this job.  Why?  Because trees are dormant this time of year making for a less stressful situation as you trim or prune them.  Conversely, trimming and pruning the the spring or summer could affect growth and blooms.  Further, the winter months allow trimming and pruning efforts to be less impactful on your lawn and surrounding landscape - yet another benefit.  Remember, each tree and tree species is different, but a good rule of thumb is that your trees should be pruned or trimmed every 3 to 5 years.  

Again, winter is best because your trees are dormant and are not growing.  This hibernation with the colder weather allows for a great environment in which to trim and prune.  Also despite no leaves or canopy, skills arborists can more easily see dead branches, shapes, and overall patterns in which trees can be best pruned or trimmed.  Refer to our trimming and pruning service page for more detailed information on the properly cutting techniques.