Wisconsin Tree Care Tips

Winter can be a trying time for trees, bushes and shrubs in Wisconsin. While the winter of 2011-12 was unseasonably warm, previous winters have caused massive damage to trees throughout the state. Broken branches, bent trunks, salt damaged plants and animal-eaten trees are simply a fact of life in the northern states where the harsh nature of winter can wreak havoc on trees, bushes and shrubs. Don’t let this sobering thought cause any undue worry. The Milwaukee tree care service experts at Buckley Tree Service provide important tree care information to you to prepare for any winter related issues and to stop winter tree damage.

Broken Branches Need Milwaukee Tree Pruning Service

Heavy winter snows commonly cause broken, cracked or severely bent tree branches, especially in the top most and farthest reaching branches. Typically, bent branches will return to their normal shape and position as the weather warms and the sap begins to flow again. Broken and cracked branches usually require removal.

Having a professional Milwaukee tree care company, like Buckley Tree Service, trim and prune your Wisconsin trees will ensure your tree will heal correctly. Buckley Tree Service will also inspect your trees for stress-induced cracking or splitting to assess the healthy of your trees.

Repairing or Removing Bent Trunks and Branches

Heavy and wet snow can cause excessive bending and breakage in young or naturally thin trees. While these problems usually fix themselves come spring with the return of warm weather and improved sap flow, more direct measures may be required.

Large cracks or splits in the trunks and branches can cause permanent damage, especially if the tree is allowed to being the healing process during the warmer months. The most effective method for fixing bent trunks and branches is to use cables and trunk supports to pull and push the tree back to its correct state. Buckley Tree Service has years of experience with tree repair and tree service and will evaluate your trees to determine the best method for repairing any damage.

Milwaukee Tree Service for Bent Bushes and Pines

Arborvitaes are tall coniferous evergreen trees commonly used as decoration. These small trees are often damaged in winter due to their tendency to hold large amounts of snow and naturally thin branches. Minor damage will repair itself as the weather warms. Severe bending, cracking or splitting will require branches to be tied to sturdier limbs or the main trunk.

While fixing bent and bowing branches isn’t terribly difficult, this problem can be completely avoided.Having yourarborvitaes branches tied and supported with cables before the winter even arrives can save on Milwaukee tree repair costs. Buckley Tree Service is skilled at applying support for arborvitaes and ensuring your trees will retain their shape and splendor.

Milwaukee Tree Repair Service for Chewed (Girdled) Trunks

Due to heavy and deep snow covering up plants and other food sources, many animals are forced to change their dietary habits during the winter months. Animals such as rabbits, deer and voles (deer mice) habitually feed on tender twigs, foliage and bark during the winter months. Sadly, the most common source for small, tender plants is landscaping plants. Smaller animals, like rabbits and voles, often eat all the face-level bark off of the bottom of trees and bushes. Deer can use their antlers to rub whole sections of bark from trees during the fall season. This removal of sections or circular rings of bark is called “girdling”. This form of damage is often a death sentence for trees.

While repairing this issue after it occurs is very difficult, taking preventative measures eliminates the need for worry. Placing 1/4” wire or plastic cages around the base of your trees or bushes can stop rodents from eating the bark. The plastic or wire cages should also extend 2-3” below the ground line to stop any burrowing animals and anywhere from 18-36” above the predicted snowline. Be sure the wire caging is big enough for the tree’s growth.

Homeowners can use animal repellant if they don’t have the time or ability to place unsightly wire cages around their trees. Repellants aren’t poisons. They are simply products which render the tree undesirable through taste and/or smell.

Buckley Tree Service is well versed in dealing with girdling and animal issues in trees, bushes and shrubs. Our trained professionals will work with you to stop or prevent girdling. Buckley Tree Service strives to educate our customers on proper tree care.

Milwaukee Tree Service for Sun Scald

Sun scald is characterized by elongated, sunken, dried, or cracked areas of dead bark. These wounds typically appear on the south or southwest side of a tree. On cold days, the sun can warm bark to the point where cambial growth is stimulated. If the sun is suddenly blocked by a cloud, hill, or building, bark temperature drops quickly. This sudden temperature change can kill the suddenly active tissue. Young, thin-barked and newly planted trees are the most susceptible to sun scalding.

Sun scald can be prevented by covering the trunk with commercial tree wrap, plastic tree guards or any other light-colored material. These wraps will reflect sunlight and keep the bark at a relatively constant temperature. Wrap your tree in the fall and remove it after the last frost. Newly planted trees should be wrapped for at least two winters and thin-barked trees for five winters or more.

To repair sun scald damage, cut the dead bark away and expose live tissue. Follow the general shape of the wound, rounding off any sharply pointed corners to assist the healing process. Wrap the trunk in subsequent winters to prevent further damage. Spraying the wound with a fungicide may help prevent fungal infection.

Milwaukee Tree Service for Evergreen Burn

Small evergreen trees are susceptible to what is known as “evergreen burn.” This condition is characterized by browned or bleached and dead foliage. This condition is usually caused by a combination of winter sun and wind drying out the foliage while the frozen roots are unable to soak up more water. Warmth tricks trees into initiating cellular activity. When the cold nighttime returns, this activity is halted, causing serious harm to the tree’s foliage.

Evergreen burn can be avoided or completely stopped by preparing your trees for the coming winter. Many homeowners wrap their trees in protective tarps. Another option is placing burlap screens to the south/southwest and windward sides of the trees. Buckley Tree Service's Milwaukee arborist will work with you to prevent or treat evergreen burn. We continually strive to educate our customers on proper Wisconsin tree care.

Stopping Milwaukee Tree Snow Plow and De-Icing Salts Damage

While most damage to trees in winter comes from nature, man can be just as destructive. Snow plows can push huge, heavy mounds of snow overtop of bushes and shrubs. This added weight crushes, or even tears plants out of the ground. The same can be done to trees, though snow plows are somewhat more careful about piling snow close to trees. If have someone plowing your driveway or you do it yourself, avoid piling all the snow up around your trees. Piling excess snow close to trees can bend trunks or uproot trees completely.

On top of plowing issues, de-icing salts can also cause serious issues for your trees and bushes. Salt runoff and drainage can severely damage or kill root systems. Road salt spray from passing vehicles can kill foliage and stunt growth. The only way to prevent these issues is to avoid planting trees, bushes and shrubs close to roads or sidewalks. If your foliage is suffering from roadside damage, our Wisconsin arborist can offer a safe transplant solution.  

Milwaukee Tree Repair with Buckley Tree Service

Cold weather injury is a common concern associated with Wisconsin winters. Homeowners can alleviate these issues with appropriate plant selection, proper site evaluation, correct horticultural practices and preventive maintenance. Such actions will significantly reduce or prevent severe injury or loss of trees, bushes and shrubs.All plants respond differently to winter stress.  Ever winter provides a different set of stressful conditions, but plants possess a remarkable ability to withstand extremely severe winter conditions.

Our Milwaukee tree removal and Brookfield tree pruning specialists will provide the knowledge and know-how to ensure your trees, bushes and shrubs survive the winter intact, alive and healthy. We are THE experts in Wisconsin tree care.