As temperatures drop and the first frost sets in, it’s easy to focus on keeping your home warm and cozy. But there’s another part of your property that needs attention before winter hits—your trees.
Ice, snow, and cold weather can take a serious toll on trees, especially those that are weak, overgrown, or already damaged. Without proper care, a single storm can turn a small issue into a major hazard.
At Hagan & Sons Tree Service, we help Maryland homeowners protect their landscapes all year long. Here are some essential tree prep tips to make sure your property is ready for the harsh winter months ahead.
Schedule a Professional Tree Inspection
The first step in preparing your trees for winter is a thorough inspection. A licensed arborist can identify structural weaknesses, diseases, or pest issues that aren’t always visible to the untrained eye.
During an inspection, we look for:
- Dead or dying branches that could break under snow or ice
- Cracks or splits in trunks or limbs
- Weak branch unions (where two limbs meet)
- Signs of decay, fungus, or insect damage
Catching these problems early helps prevent property damage and keeps your trees healthy heading into the coldest months.
Prune Before the Snow Falls
Late fall is one of the best times to prune trees. Once trees enter dormancy, pruning is less stressful and helps prepare them for new growth in the spring.
Proper pruning removes weak or overextended branches that could snap under heavy snow or ice accumulation. It also improves airflow and structure, reducing the risk of storm damage. For safety reasons, pruning large or high branches should always be done by a professional.
Protect Young and Newly Planted Trees
Newly planted trees and saplings are especially vulnerable to winter stress. Their young root systems and thin bark make them more susceptible to freezing temperatures, frost cracks, and wildlife damage.
To protect young trees:
- Add mulch around the base (2–3 inches thick) to insulate the soil and retain moisture.
- Wrap the trunk with burlap or tree wrap to prevent sunscald and frost cracking.
- Stake if necessary to help stabilize them against strong winter winds.
These simple steps go a long way toward ensuring young trees survive and thrive when spring returns.
Clear Away Debris and Fallen Branches
Before the first snowfall, make sure to clear away leaves, limbs, and other debris around your yard. Piles of wet leaves can suffocate grass, attract mold, and harbor pests over the winter.
Additionally, remove any broken branches or fallen limbs from storms earlier in the season. Not only does this keep your property tidy, but it also reduces the risk of further damage when snow or ice adds extra weight to weakened areas.
Watch Out for Heavy Snow and Ice
Even strong trees can struggle under the weight of heavy snow or ice. If you notice branches bending dangerously low after a storm, don’t shake or strike them—this can cause breakage. Instead, gently brush off light snow with a broom or contact a tree professional if the branches are encased in ice.
If a limb breaks or a tree becomes unstable, call Hagan & Sons Tree Service immediately. We provide prompt, safe tree removal and storm cleanup services to prevent damage to your home, vehicles, and power lines.
Protect Your Landscape Before Winter Strikes
Winter can be tough on your trees—but with the right preparation, they’ll stay strong, safe, and beautiful year after year.
At Hagan & Sons Tree Service, we offer expert tree inspections, pruning, and maintenance services designed to protect your property through every season. Our locally owned and operated tree company has proudly served Maryland homeowners for over 25 years, combining professional expertise with personal care.
Don’t wait until the first snowstorm to find out your trees aren’t ready. Contact us today to schedule your fall tree inspection or winter prep service.
