But California Doesn’t Have Winters?
Not totally true!
California is incredibly biodiverse, and so is our terrain. Winters in Big Bear differ from winters in Palm Springs or along the coast. Rainy and windy weather affects our trees, gardens, and landscapes in ways that don’t in other states.
So, how should you prepare for this winter’s rainy and windy weather?
Photo Courtesy of Sims Tree Learning Center - Dormant Jujube Tree, Zizyphus jujuba
The Santa Anas
Dubbed the “Santa Anas,” these strong winds rip through So-Cal, causing trees to fail, drying up our landscape, and threatening to cause wildfires.
Prepare your trees for windy weather by removing weak or dead branches that can break and fail during a windstorm. Wind tends to “catch” in fuller tree canopies, swaying weakened branches and increasing the risk of branch failure.
Safety is in Your Hands: if you see a broken limb or branch that has come in contact with a power line after a windstorm, do not try to remove it yourself. Contact your local power company for help!
Adequate water retention in the soil is also important to keep tree roots well-established. When water enters the soil, the soil loosens. If the soil is loosened enough and a strong wind blows through, roots can give way, causing the tree to fail!
Preppin’ for the Rain
Overwatering trees in the winter is an easy mistake, especially if water systems are still turned to their summer settings. Keep the soil moist but not overly saturated.
Mulch in a 4-inch layer around the tree, carefully laying it away from the trunk. Organic material introduced into the soil breaks down and, over time, supports overall tree health.
Overwatering near the tree’s base can lead to root rot and decay, which may eventually lead to tree failure.
Photo Courtesy of Sims Tree Learning Center - Decay and rot of the trunk of a Mango Tree
Consult with an ISA Certified Arborist at Sims Tree Health Specialists about your tree’s watering needs.
More Tree Care Tips for the Winter
Weed your garden! Just don’t tell Cheech and Chong; that might confuse them.
Weeds can be pulled up easier in the winter as opposed to the hotter summer months. While at it, most pruning should also be done in the winter during dormancy to reduce the stress posed to trees.
Like mulching, planting California native plants can help retain moisture in the soil. Native plants can better withstand California’s fluctuating temperatures, heavy rains, and droughts. When planted on slopes, native plants reduce soil erosion when rainy weather visits.
Photo Courtesy of Sims Tree Learning Center - Mulch on the grounds at Sims TLC
Stay ahead of pests hiding in your trees, waiting for spring to arrive. Have your trees assessed by an ISA Certified Arborist to determine if a dormant spray to combat overwintering pests is right for your trees.
Summary
Winter is coming - or rather, it’s here! If you suspect your tree poses a risk of failure, call the team at Sims Tree Health Specialists for a tree risk assessment. The ISA Certified Arborists at Sims Tree Health Specialists, Inc. can provide certified tree assessments and maintenance recommendations for the winter.
About Sims Tree Health Specialists, Inc.
Sims Tree Health Specialists, Inc. is dedicated to the preservation, education, improved health, and safety of trees. Sims THS has provided California’s Urban Forests with premium healthcare since 1972. To learn more, visit our website: https://www.simsths.com/
Sims THS offers services with our ISA Certified Arborists in the following:
Diagnosis and Disease Management, Pest Suppression, Organic Solutions, Fruit Suppression, Drought Protection, and Arborist Assessment Reports and Preservation Plans.
In addition to providing quality tree health services, the Sims family is known for their educational pursuits. In 1996, they started the Sims Tree Learning Center (TLC), a 6-acre botanical garden and research facility sponsored by Sims Tree Health Specialists, Inc. The facility houses multiple types of gardens including a cactus and succulent garden and one of the largest collections of Palms in the Inland Empire. Learn with us!
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