Tree Care Myths You Should Stop Believing This Winter

Happy Thursday, tree lovers! 

Now that the temperatures have officially dropped and we’re all reaching for our heaviest flannels, it’s easy to look out the window at our leafless friends and think, "Well, see ya in the spring! Enjoy your nap!"

But hold on a second. Just because they look like they’re sleeping doesn’t mean they’re totally off the clock—or that we are. There are a few "old wives' tales" floating around about winter tree care that might actually be doing more harm than good. Let’s debunk the big ones so your yard stays happy until the thaw.

Myth #1: "Trees go into total hibernation, so they don’t need care."

We tend to think of trees like bears—tucked away in a cave, completely oblivious to the world. In reality, trees are more like "low-power mode" on your phone. Their roots are still active, and they are still losing moisture through their bark and twigs. If we have a dry winter with no snow or rain, your trees (especially the young ones) might actually be parched!

• The Truth: If the ground isn't frozen and it's been a dry month, a little supplemental watering can be a lifesaver.

Myth #2: "A heavy blanket of snow is always a good thing."

You’ve probably heard that snow acts as an insulator, protecting the roots from the deep freeze. And while a little fluff is fine, heavy, wet snow is basically a gym weight for a tree branch.

• The Truth: Don't let heavy snow sit and weigh down your evergreens. Give them a gentle upward tap with a broom to clear the load. Just don't shake them too hard—frozen wood is brittle!

Myth #3: "You should never prune in the winter."

Evergreens like Boxwoods, Yews, and Arborvitae continue to lose moisture through their needles all winter long. Because the ground is frozen, they can’t pull new water up through their roots to replace what they lose to the biting Michigan winds. This leads to the ugly, brown, "burned" look you may see in March.

• The Truth: Winter is prime time for a "structural haircut."

Myth #4: "The salt on the driveway only hurts the grass."

We love salt for our icy walkways, but your trees? Not so much. When the snow melts, that salty slush seeps into the soil and can actually suck the moisture right out of the roots, leading to what we call "chemical drought."

• The Truth: Try to use sand or birdseed for traction near your prize trees, or look for "pet-friendly" de-icers which are usually a bit gentler on the landscape.

The Bottom Line

Your trees aren't asking for much this season, but a little bit of attention goes a long way in ensuring they come back lush and green in a few months. Stay warm out there, and give your trees a metaphorical (or literal, we won't judge you) pat on the bark today!