Winter in Virginia can be unpredictable — one week it’s mild and sunny, the next there’s frost on the ground and wind cutting through the trees. While it might look like your trees are “asleep” this time of year, they’re still very much alive and vulnerable to the stress that cold, dry, or windy weather can bring.
The good news? A little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to protect and keep your trees healthy this winter and set them up for a thriving spring.
How Winter Affects Your Trees
When temperatures drop, a tree’s metabolic processes slow down, conserving energy until warmer weather returns. This dormant phase is natural, but harsh conditions can still cause damage:
- Freezing and thawing cycles can crack bark and damage roots.
- Strong winter winds can dry out needles and leaves on evergreens.
- Heavy snow or ice can break branches, especially those already weakened or poorly pruned.
- Salt and runoff from nearby roads or driveways can burn roots and foliage.
Understanding these risks helps you take the right steps now to prevent problems later.
Tips for Protecting and Keeping Trees Healthy During Winter
Mulch the Right Way
Mulching is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your trees year-round. During winter, mulch helps insulate the roots and maintain soil moisture when the ground freezes and thaws.
Spread 2–4 inches of mulch around the base of your trees, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. If you’re not sure what type or how much mulch your trees need, Nunnally’s can help with that too.
Water Before the Freeze
If fall has been dry, make sure your trees get a good, deep watering before the ground freezes. Roots need moisture even in dormancy.
Newly planted or young trees are especially at risk of drying out over winter, so aim for one last watering session when daytime temps are still above freezing.
Prune Safely and Strategically to Keep Your Trees Healthy
Winter is actually one of the best times to prune many types of trees. With the leaves gone, it’s easier to spot weak, diseased, or crossing branches. Plus, pruning during dormancy reduces the risk of spreading disease.
Has your tree started to develop awkward or heavy limbs? We can help with that. Our pruning specialists remove hazards safely while encouraging strong, balanced growth for spring.
Protect Young and Thin-Barked Trees
If you’ve recently planted young trees — or if you have species with smooth bark (like maples or fruit trees) — they can suffer from sunscald and frost cracks when winter sunlight heats the bark and nighttime cold causes it to freeze suddenly.
Wrap the trunk with breathable tree wrap or burlap from the base up to the lowest branches, and remove it in early spring once temperatures stabilize.
Watch Out for Salt and Wind Damage
Salt used on roads and sidewalks can easily make its way into your soil, where it dries out roots and damages growth. Try to redirect snow and runoff away from your trees, or use sand and calcium-based deicers instead.
Wind can also dehydrate evergreens. A simple burlap windbreak on the windward side of your trees can make a big difference in reducing stress and winter burn.
When to Call a Professional
Even with the best care, winter weather can surprise you. If you notice:
- Cracked or split limbs
- Leaning trees after a storm
- Branches hanging over your home or driveway
- Significant salt or windburn on evergreens
It’s best to call in a professional for a winter inspection. At Nunnally’s Tree Service, our ISA and TRAQ Certified arborists have the training and experience to identify risks before they become emergencies.
Contact us today to schedule your winter tree evaluation or pruning service.
Winter Tree Care: Small Steps, Big Payoff
Taking time to protect your trees in winter keeps them healthy, stable, and beautiful for years to come. A few hours of care now can prevent costly damage — and ensure your yard bursts back to life once spring arrives.
For more expert advice and seasonal tree care tips, visit the Nunnally’s Tree Service blog.
For more general information on trees and shrubs, visit the Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Urban Forestry resources.
