It’s no secret that last winter brought wintry weather that most of us were not prepared for. As a result, many trees died or suffered greatly due to the unexpected influx of snow and ice.
Because of this, we thought it would be beneficial to share a few things you can do to salvage your trees should a hard freeze revisit Texas this year. Scan this quick guide to learn about what you can do to ensure your tall, green friends make it to spring.
Assess the Damage To Your Trees
When figuring out how to save Texas Trees after a hard freeze in winter, you need to assess the level of damage done to the plant. First, consider whether or not the tree was in good health before the freeze. Doing so will help you gauge how likely it is that the plant is salvageable. Next, do a visual examination of it and assess whether or not the tree exhibits the following:
- Noticeable bark loss
- More than 50 percent of its crown is missing
Make a note of the tree species and its cold-hardiness as well. After evaluating these things, investigate the most prominent limbs of the tree for breakage. If you find any broken branches or limbs, it’s wise to call a certified arborist to evaluate the matter further.
This is crucial, as a tree with broken limbs may require immediate removal. The good news is that the top-quality arborists at SID Mourning Tree Services are nearby to provide emergency tree removal services in Austin, Texas. So don’t hesitate to call if you need us.
Understand What Not To Do
Hopefully, your tree is in good enough shape to recover from the freeze. However, you should do your best to refrain from getting overly enthusiastic about nurturing your tree back to health. There are a few things you can do to help, such as:
- Periodic watering (modesty is crucial here)
- Light bark and branch pruning (only remove severely damaged or dead parts)
- Keeping the soil around the roots moist (think slightly damp, not watery)
Although your instinct may be to spring into action to save your tree, it’s typically better to leave it alone—at least for the most part. If you overwater, over prune, or fertilize too soon, it could result in the decline of your tree’s already teetering health.
If you feel that you should be doing more to treat your tree, call a professional for help. Arborists can offer their expert opinion and help you develop a helpful treatment plan to get your tree back on track.
Practice Patience and Pay Attention
Most importantly, if you want to understand how to save Texas Trees after a hard freeze in the winter, the best thing you can do is practice patience and attentiveness. This means giving your tree the time and space it needs to heal properly.
Of course, we’re not suggesting you neglect your plant. In fact, it’s wise to keep a close eye on it in case any new developments arise. But, certainly, be discerning and gentle as you try to help your tree recover from damage. Doing this will ensure that your tree gets everything it needs to return to full health once warmer weather prevails.