- Protect the trunk of trees from damage.
- Excavate root collars if they are buried in soil or mulch.
- Remove dead and declining twigs and branches.
- Properly prune branches to prevent breakage from ice or snow.
- Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of composted organic mulch over an area at least as large as the branch spread to protect roots from mower damage and cold.
- If the soil is compacted or poorly drained, aerate while minimizing damage to tree roots.
- Fertilize as recommended on your soil test report.
Additional information on preventing winter storm damage.
—Steve Pettis
