How to Prepare Your New Tree for Winter

If you live in North Iowa and you have a new shade or ornamental tree in your yard, you want to consider the following tips on how to care for your tree as we head in to winter.

What trees need to be protected?

Any young tree (ornamentals, crabs, fruit, and shade trees).

How long should I protect my “new” tree?

We generally recommend wrapping the trees from Halloween to Memorial Day and until the bark is rough and tough enough so it doesn’t split, ranging from 5-10 years.

Why do trees need to be protected?

New trees aren’t fully established and are susceptible to frost crack and deer and rabbit damage. From early October through early December, male deer mark their territory by scraping their antlers on trees.

What is frost crack?

Many maple trees in particular have a softer wood. After the hard freeze, when the temperatures start to warm up in February and March, then cool again, the bark on maples doesn’t expands/contract with the warming and cooling and can split (most times on the southwest side of the trees). This is why it’s important to not use a black or dark colored tree wrap: when the sun reflects off the snow, it heats up the trunk, and cause frost crack even more.

How do I protect these trees?

Use a tree wrap around the trunk of the tree to protect against frost crack and rabbit/rodent damage. A plastic wrap will provide limited protection against deer, so we recommend fencing your new tree.

More information on Preparing Your Plants for Winter found HERE