How to Prepare Newly Planted Trees for Winter Storm Preparation & Recovery A newly planted tree faces its first winter with a lot to overcome. Freezing temperatures, strong winds, harsh sun, and dry air can all take a toll on a young root system that hasn’t fully developed. Without the right preparation, these stressors can lead to damage that impacts growth well into the following year. That’s why winter care isn’t just a seasonal task but an investment in your landscape’s long-term health. For homeowners, landscapers, and property managers, working with a professional tree service can make all the difference in giving young trees the best start possible. Why Newly Planted Trees Need Extra Protection in Winter Young trees can be more vulnerable to winter injury because their root systems are still shallow and less able to absorb moisture from frozen ground. Their bark can be thinner, making them prone to splitting from rapid temperature changes. Evergreen foliage can lose water faster than roots can replace it, leading to winter burn. And because these trees haven’t yet developed a wide-spreading canopy or strong anchoring roots, they can be more susceptible to wind damage. Early preparation can give your trees the best chance to adapt to cold weather. By insulating roots, protecting bark, and taking steps to protect trees from frost and guard against wildlife damage, you’re setting the stage for healthy, vigorous growth when spring returns. Learning how to protect young trees from winter can ensure they establish well despite harsh seasonal conditions. 6 Essential Steps to Protect New Trees This Winter Winter preparation involves more than one quick task. It’s about combining multiple strategies that work together to defend young trees from cold, wind, frost, and other seasonal stressors. Step 1 – Water Thoroughly Before the Ground Freezes Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil, giving roots an extra layer of protection against freezing. Before winter sets in, water deeply and slowly, allowing moisture to penetrate the entire root zone. This is especially important during dry autumn months when natural rainfall may not be enough. The goal is to give your trees a final boost before the ground freezes, locking in the water they’ll need to withstand winter drought stress. Just be sure to stop watering once the soil is frozen, as additional water won’t be absorbed and can cause ice buildup around roots. Step 2 – Apply Mulch Around the Base of the Tree Mulch acts like a natural blanket, insulating roots and regulating soil temperature. Apply a 2–4 inch layer of mulch in late fall, spreading it in a wide circle around the base of the tree. Keep it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and discourage rodents from nesting. Materials like wood chips, shredded bark, or composted leaves work well. Mulching is one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect trees in winter, and it’s a key part of how to protect small trees in winter without adding unnecessary stress to the trunk or roots. For an added boost, SavATree’s ArborKelp® biostimulant can encourage root growth, improve nutrient uptake, and help the tree manage seasonal stress. Step 3 – Use Tree Wraps or Guards to Protect the Trunk Temperature fluctuations in winter can cause sunscald and frost cracks on young bark, especially on south- and southwest-facing sides of the trunk. Wrapping the trunk with burlap, paper tree wrap, or specially designed plastic guards can reduce these risks. Species, location, and age all affect whether trunk wrapping will be beneficial. Some trees, particularly certain fruit trees, respond well to wrapping, while others may not require it. A SavATree certified arborist can determine if your tree is a good candidate for a wrap and advise on the best materials. Remove wraps in spring to avoid girdling and allow the trunk to breathe. Step 4 – Protect from Wildlife Damage When food is scarce, deer, rabbits, and rodents may feed on tender bark and twigs. This can girdle a tree, cutting off nutrient flow and potentially killing it. To prevent this, install tree guards, mesh fencing, or protective wraps around the trunk. For larger landscapes or high deer activity, winter deer deterrent treatments can keep wildlife at a safe distance without harming them. Physical barriers should extend above the typical snow line and be checked regularly for gaps or damage. Step 5 – Choose the Right Time for Pruning Pruning at the wrong time can encourage tender new growth that’s easily damaged by frost. However, some tree species actually benefit from winter pruning or require it to prevent the spread of certain diseases. In other cases, pruning is best delayed until early spring, once the risk of extreme cold has passed. It’s always best to consult an ISA Certified Arborist, as they can recommend the best schedule for tree pruning based on your tree’s species, age, and local climate. This type of professional guidance is part of comprehensive winter care for trees, ensuring they remain healthy and structurally sound through the coldest months. Step 6 – Protect Against Heavy Snow and Ice Wet snow and ice can weigh down branches, causing breakage, especially in young or newly transplanted trees. Gently brushing snow off with a broom can help, but avoid shaking or pulling branches downward as this can cause damage to the tree and may also put you at risk of injury. In areas prone to heavy snow, structural supports such as tree cabling and bracing may be recommended to reduce the risk of limb failure. Understanding how to protect trees from heavy snow can mean the difference between a small winter setback and significant structural damage. Avoid using salt-based de-icers near young trees as runoff can damage roots and soil structure. If de-icing is necessary, choose plant-friendly alternatives. Bonus Tips for Regional or Harsh Winters Some climates require extra measures beyond the basics: Container trees: Move potted young trees into protected areas like unheated garages or wrap containers with insulating material to keep roots from freezing. Wind protection: In exposed landscapes, burlap barriers or planting a living windbreak can reduce moisture loss from winter winds. Staking in wet or frozen soil: In areas with high winds or freeze-thaw cycles, secure young trees to prevent leaning or uprooting. Use flexible ties and remove stakes after one growing season to encourage strong trunk development. No matter your climate, combining these tactics with oversight from a SavATree expert can further improve a young tree’s odds of thriving. When to Contact a Tree Care Expert While there’s plenty you can do on your own, some situations call for professional help. Schedule a consultation with a SavATree ISA Certified Arborist if your tree: Shows signs of stress, such as wilting, early leaf drop, or discolored bark, before winter begins. Has been transplanted within the last year, especially in a region with severe winters. Requires specialized protection based on species or site conditions. A tree care expert can tailor a plan for winter protection that includes everything from trunk wraps to customized watering schedules. They can also diagnose potential issues, such as frost cracks or wildlife damage, before they become serious problems. And if you’ve ever wondered why bark is falling off your tree, a consultation can determine whether it’s natural seasonal shedding or a sign of disease, insect activity, or environmental stress. Protecting Trees in Winter Means Thinking Ahead Taking the time to prepare newly planted trees before winter weather arrives can make the difference between a strong, thriving landscape and one struggling to recover in spring. By combining deep watering, mulching, trunk protection, wildlife deterrence, and careful pruning timing, you can cover trees in winter effectively while giving them the foundation they need for long-term health. SavATree’s team of ISA Certified Arborists can help you choose the right strategies for your property, from evergreens and fruit trees to ornamental trees and shrubs. Whether you’re caring for one specimen tree or an entire landscape, professional guidance ensures that your efforts are effective, efficient, and environmentally sound. Sources: Arbor Day Foundation. Are Your Trees Stressed? https://www.arborday.org/perspectives/are-your-trees-stressed The Morton Arboretum. Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs. https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/tree-plant-care/plant-care-resources/winter-injury-to-trees-and-shrubs/ USDA Forest Service. Trees. https://www.fs.usda.gov/learn/trees Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an expert arborist.