Minnesota DNR Offers Tips To Protect Trees From Winter + Wildlife

Northland weather has been anything but normal for this time of year, but winter does officially arrive on Thursday, December 21. With that in mind, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says now is the time to take proactive measures to help young yard trees survive winter weather conditions and hungry wildlife.

The DNR stresses that trees play several important roles, so protecting them is critical.

“Yard trees provide countless benefits to our environment and our well-being. They help clean our air, reduce our electric bills, and enhance our surroundings, to name a few,” said Nikki Henger, the DNR’s Forestry Division outreach specialist. “Supporting our yard trees during the winter months will help set the stage for them to thrive in the summer.”

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The DNR recommends people doing the following five things to care for trees in winter:

1. Mulch and water. Add a 3-inch layer of mulch at least 3 inches away from the trunk and about 3 feet in diameter. Water trees regularly until the ground freezes.
2. Tidy up around the trees. Wildlife such as rabbits and rodents browse on trees and shrubs as a regular part of their diet. Minimize this risk by removing places where wildlife might nest, such as tall grasses, brush piles, tarps, or water bags, directly around trees.
3. Wrap young trees. Tree wraps or plastic guards help protect against rabbits, rodents, and sunscald. Newly planted trees should be wrapped for at least two winters, while thin-barked species should be wrapped for at least five winters. Sunscald occurs when the sun heats the trunk, followed by quick freezing at night, leading to cracking bark. Be sure to remove the tree guards in late spring.
4. Add fencing. Wire fencing, hardware cloth, or poultry netting are all effective barriers. Bury fencing 2 to 3 inches below ground and extend it about 2 feet above the anticipated snow line to create a more critter-proof barrier. Periodically check fenced areas to ensure wildlife is not trapped inside. If deer are frequent visitors in a large yard or wooded area, consider installing a 10-foot woven wire fence to reduce damage. Bud capping is also commonly used to shield white pine seedlings from deer browse. Fold a 4” x 6” piece of paper in half and staple it around the top leader of the tree this time of year until it grows out of reach to deer.
5. Contact a certified arborist about pruning. There is a lower risk of disease transmission, like oak wilt, in winter. It is also easier to visualize the tree's branching structure without leaves.

Related: City Of Duluth Offering Free, Untreated Wood Chips To The Public

The DNR also reminds residents that tard trees need a little attention all year round and caring for them also provides a great reason to get outside in December.