Winter Tree Care in Wisconsin: Protecting Your Trees from Snow and Ice

Green Bay winters are no joke. With an average of 50+ inches of snow and frequent ice storms, your trees take a beating from December through March. Here's how to protect them — and your property — all winter long.

Pre-Winter Preparation (Late Fall)

The best winter tree care starts before the first snow. Schedule a late-fall inspection to identify dead, diseased, or weakly attached branches that could fail under snow or ice loads. Have them removed before winter hits. This is also a good time to apply a slow-release fertilizer to help trees store energy for winter dormancy.

Dealing with Snow and Ice Load

Heavy, wet snow and ice can cause branches to bend or break. Never shake snow off branches — this can cause more damage than the weight itself. If branches are bent under snow, let them warm up naturally or gently brush snow off with a broom, working from the bottom up. For ice, leave it alone. Ice-covered branches are brittle and will snap if disturbed.

Prevent Winter Sunscald

Young trees with thin bark are susceptible to sunscald — damage caused by the sun warming the bark on winter days, followed by rapid freezing at night. Wrap the trunks of young trees with white tree wrap or commercial tree guards in late fall and remove them in spring.

Protect Roots with Mulch

A 2–4 inch layer of mulch around the base of your trees (but not touching the trunk) helps insulate roots from extreme temperature fluctuations. Mulch also retains moisture and prevents frost heaving in newly planted trees.

Water During Dry Spells

If Green Bay goes through a dry winter spell, water your trees on mild days (above 40°F). Evergreens are especially susceptible to winter drought because they continue to lose moisture through their needles even when the ground is frozen.

Need help preparing your trees for winter? Contact Green Bay's Best Tree Service for a free estimate.