Frost-Proofing Your Foliage: How to Get Your Trees Ready for Winter in Alberta

Winter in Alberta isn’t just cold; it’s the kind of cold that makes you wonder why you ever left the house. And while we humans can bundle up in layers, your trees aren’t as lucky.

Preparing your trees for winter isn’t just about helping them survive the cold, it’s about ensuring they thrive when spring rolls in.

You’re basically covering up your tree with a thick winter coat, some gloves, and maybe even a tree-sized scarf.

Let’s discuss how you can frost-proof your foliage and keep your trees healthy, even in the dead of winter!

Why Winterizing Your Trees is Crucial in Alberta

Winter in Alberta isn’t just cold – it’s downright unpredictable. Here’s why tree winterization is a must for protecting your green friends:

• Extreme cold snaps: Alberta winters are infamous for sudden, drastic temperature drops, leaving trees vulnerable to frost damage. One minute, they’re chilling; the next, they’re freezing!
• Heavy snow loads: Snow may look pretty, but it can weigh down and break branches, especially on young or delicate trees.
• Winter drought: With the ground frozen solid, trees struggle to absorb water, leaving them thirsty and stressed all winter long.
• Frost heaving: As the soil repeatedly freezes and thaws, it can push tree roots out of the ground, disrupting their stability and growth.
• Winter sunscald: The bright winter sun can warm tree bark during the day, only for it to freeze at night, causing unsightly cracks.

For more advice on frostproofing your trees, check out our blog post: How to Prepare Your Evergreens For Winter!

Key Steps to Frost-Proof Your Trees

1. Clean-Up Around Trees

Fallen leaves, dead branches, and other debris can trap moisture, leading to rot and providing a cozy home for pests. Plus, cluttered ground can block essential nutrients from reaching your trees. A clean base means your trees have the best shot at thriving through the winter.

Pro Tip: Rake up any leaves and mulch them. Mulched leaves can be added as an extra insulation layer around the base of the tree, keeping the roots snug and warm.

2. Deep Watering in Late Fall

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your trees is by giving them a thorough soaking before the ground freezes. Why? Because once the frost hits, trees have a hard time getting water.

By hydrating them well before winter arrives, you’re setting them up to weather winter drought and frost more effectively.

Pro Tip: Water well before the first snow. Water your deciduous trees irregularly till late October or till it’s lost all its leaves or the ground freezes. Your Evergreens may need to be watered till late fall because these trees don’t go into full dormancy and need water even with temperatures reaching near zero.

3. Mulching for Root Protection

Mulch is the cozy winter blanket for your trees. Spread a thick layer (about 3–4 inches) of mulch around the base of each tree to insulate roots from freezing temperatures and prevent frost heaving.

Mulching also helps lock in moisture, making it easier for trees to stay hydrated through the season.

Pro Tip: Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to avoid rot and pests.

4. Pruning and Branch Support

Before winter kicks in, it’s a good idea to prune any dead or weakened branches. This not only tidies up your trees but also helps prevent heavy snow from snapping weaker branches.

For trees with larger, vulnerable limbs, consider tying them up with soft ties to provide extra support.

Pro Tip: Avoid heavy pruning in late fall, as it can encourage new growth that won’t harden off in time for winter.

5. Create Windbreaks

Trees in exposed areas can take a real beating from Alberta’s harsh winds. To give them some shelter, plant shrubs around them as a natural windbreak or use burlap screens to block the worst of the winds. This extra layer of protection helps reduce wind damage and prevents moisture loss.

Pro Tip: When setting up burlap screens, place them a few feet away from the tree, not directly against it. This allows for better airflow and protects the tree without suffocating it.

6. Wrapping or Burlap Barriers

For more delicate or young trees, consider wrapping their trunks with burlap or using tree wraps. This creates a barrier against harsh winter winds and prevents sunscald, which happens when the sun warms the bark during the day, only for it to freeze again at night.

Pro Tip: Secure the burlap loosely but firmly around the trunk from the base up, especially on the windward side of the tree.

7. Inspect Your Trees

A thorough inspection is necessary before frost comes in. Look for signs of disease, insect infestations, or structural damage that could worsen during harsh winter conditions.

Any existing issues, like fungi or pest damage, can become more problematic when trees are stressed by cold temperatures.

Pro Tip: Use this time to check for cracks, cankers, or signs of insects burrowing in the bark. Consider hiring our ISA-certified arborists for a professional tree health check before winter.

Types of Trees that Need Extra Care in Winter

While many trees in Alberta are tough enough to withstand the winter cold, certain types need a little extra attention:

• Young or Newly Planted Trees: These trees are still establishing their root systems, making them more vulnerable to frost and winter drought. Their shallow roots are especially susceptible to frost heaving, so extra mulching and watering are crucial to keep them hydrated and protected.
• Fruit Trees: Fruit trees are sensitive to temperature changes, and a harsh winter can damage buds and branches. Wrapping the trunks and ensuring proper mulching can help protect them from frost, keeping those future pies and jams safe.
• Evergreens: Evergreens might be green all year round, but they’re particularly prone to winter burn. This happens when their needles lose moisture faster than they can replace it. A thorough watering in the fall and adding a moisture-retaining mulch around the base can help them stay hydrated and avoid that dreaded browning.
• Delicate Deciduous Trees (like Birch and Maple): These trees are prone to sunscald and frost cracking, especially on sunny winter days followed by frigid nights. Wrapping trunks or using tree guards can help prevent the bark from cracking as it expands and contracts with the temperature shifts.
• Conifers in Windy Areas: Conifers are tough but not invincible. Trees in windy spots may need additional support and windbreaks to prevent damage from cold, drying winds that can strip away moisture.

Frost Fears? Green Drop's Here to Keep Your Trees Cozy!

Winter in Alberta doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom for your trees. With the right winter tree care, you can ensure they weather the frosty months like champs.

Our ISA-certified arborists are pros when it comes to frost-proofing your foliage and protecting your trees from winter’s harshest elements. Whether it's wrapping your trees in burlap or giving them the deep-root care they need, we’ve got a tree winterization service tailored for you.

Serving Alberta and beyond, from Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer to Saskatoon, Regina and Winnipeg, we’re ready to help your trees thrive no matter how chilly it gets.