Arboriculture slows down in January due to winter temperatures, which aren’t ideal for outdoor work. Many people mistakenly believe there’s nothing to do for trees in winter. However, here are some simple tasks you can undertake in January.
Although plants are dormant in January, you can take advantage of clear days to visually inspect your trees. Look thoroughly, including at higher branches. You may notice anomalies that would be hidden by leaves in summer.
You can perform light pruning, removing dead, diseased, or hazardous branches. Surprisingly, several deciduous tree species seem to appreciate small cuts in January. You can also prune summer-flowering shrubs such as lilacs and hydrangeas.
If heavy snow builds up on your trees and you can safely remove it, do so! Your trees will benefit from the relief.
If possible, wrap your small conifers with twine to prevent deformation under the weight of snow.
If you purchased a natural Christmas tree for the holidays, consider recycling it rather than discarding it.
If you still have decorations hanging in your trees, now is a great time to take them down, they’ll appreciate it!