Your Quick Fall Checklist: Preparing Spokane Trees for Winter
As fall settles over Spokane, this window of cooler weather is crucial for safeguarding your trees against the coming snow and ice. As your local, veteran-owned tree experts, we’ve condensed the most essential steps for preparing your landscape before the deep freeze sets in.
Prioritize Safety Pruning
The most important task right now is hazard mitigation. With leaves gone, it's easier to spot structural weaknesses.
Remove Deadwood: Have a professional address all dead, diseased, or broken branches. These are the weakest points that are most likely to snap under heavy snow load, posing a risk to your home or property.
Structural Inspection: A quick check by an arborist can identify compromised branches before they become a storm-related emergency.
Deep Watering is Non-Negotiable
Don't put the hose away yet! Trees need moisture to survive a frozen winter.
Prevent Winter Desiccation: Roots remain active, storing energy and hydration. If the ground is dry when it freezes, your trees can essentially "die of thirst."
Action Step: Give your trees, especially newer plantings, a slow and deep soaking until the ground is permanently frozen. This is their last vital drink of the year.
Clear the Trunk Zone
Manage debris to prevent pests and disease from taking hold right at the base of your tree.
Trunk Clearance: Rake back wet leaf litter and mulch that is piled directly against the trunk's base (the flare). This excess moisture invites fungal growth and pests.
Protective Mulch: Maintain a ring of wood-chip mulch, 2-4 inches deep, away from the trunk to insulate the roots and stabilize soil moisture.
Secure Your Landscape with Trusted Experts
Winterizing your mature landscape demands discipline and the educated insight of certified arborists. As a veteran-owned business, we provide precise, honest service rooted in a commitment to the Spokane community.
Don't leave the integrity of your trees to chance. Contact us today for a professional fall inspection and ensure your landscape is safe and healthy for the season ahead.
