Winter in Northern Colorado can be tough on trees. Cold temperatures, dry air, snow buildup, and high winds all take a toll on even the healthiest landscape. If your trees aren’t ready, they may suffer damage that lasts well into spring.
Winterizing your trees is a key part of responsible yard care. With the right steps, you can protect your trees from stress, breakage, and disease during the colder months.
Here’s what Fort Collins homeowners should do before winter arrives.
Start with a Full Tree Inspection
Before making any changes, take a close look at your trees. Check for:
- Dead or cracked branches
- Signs of disease or pests
- Weak limb attachments
- Broken or leaning trunks
Identifying problems early helps prevent winter damage. If you’re unsure what to look for, schedule a professional tree service inspection. An experienced crew can spot hazards that aren’t obvious at first glance.
Trim Problem Branches Before Snowfall
Tree trimming is one of the most effective ways to protect your landscape before winter. Removing dead or weak limbs reduces the chance of breakage when snow or ice piles up.
It also helps improve structure and balance, especially in trees that are leaning or growing unevenly. This makes them more stable in strong winter winds.
Avoid heavy trimming during winter itself. Trees are less able to recover when temperatures are low. Late fall is the best time to trim in Fort Collins.
Protect Young and Newly Planted Trees
Young trees are especially vulnerable to winter stress. Their bark is thinner, and their root systems are still developing. Without protection, they can suffer from sunscald, freezing, and windburn.
Here’s how to help them:
- Wrap trunks with commercial tree wrap to prevent cracking
- Add a thick layer of mulch around the base (but not against the trunk)
- Use stakes or windbreaks to support small trees in exposed areas
These simple steps go a long way in helping new trees survive their first few winters.
Water Until the Ground Freezes
In Northern Colorado, dry air and frozen soil can lead to dehydration in trees. Many homeowners stop watering in fall, thinking the trees don’t need it anymore. But that’s a mistake.
Trees still lose moisture through their bark and needles in winter, especially evergreens. If the roots can’t absorb water from the soil, the tree suffers.
Keep watering your trees every few weeks until the ground freezes. Focus on deep watering at the base, not quick surface sprays. Proper hydration helps trees handle winter stress and bounce back in spring.
Prune and Shape Trees Away from Structures
Trees that grow close to homes, sheds, or power lines are more likely to cause problems in winter. Heavy snow or ice can pull down branches and cause property damage.
If a limb breaks under pressure and lands on your roof or fence, the repair costs can add up quickly.
Before winter, make sure your trees are properly trimmed back from:
- Roofs
- Gutters
- Driveways
- Sidewalks
- Power lines (handled only by professionals)
Safe, strategic trimming now prevents dangerous situations later.
Avoid Late-Fall Fertilizing
It might be tempting to fertilize before winter to “strengthen” your trees, but in most cases, this causes more harm than good. Late-season fertilizing can stimulate new growth that isn’t hardened off before freezing temperatures hit.
Instead, focus on soil health with organic mulch or compost that breaks down slowly and feeds the tree over time. If you think your tree has a nutrient deficiency, get a soil test and talk to a local tree service before applying any products.
Know When Tree Removal Is Necessary
Sometimes the safest option is to remove a tree before winter. If a tree is dead, hollow, or leaning badly, winter conditions could push it past the point of failure.
Removing a dangerous tree now is often cheaper and safer than waiting for it to fall during a storm. An experienced tree service in Fort Collins can help you decide whether removal is the right call.
Get Professional Tree Winterization in Fort Collins
Taking care of your trees before winter isn’t complicated, but it does take time and planning. Tree trimming, inspections, watering, and protection all make a big difference in how your trees handle the cold months ahead.
At Diamond Tree Company, we provide full tree winterization services in Fort Collins and throughout Northern Colorado. Whether you need a simple trim or help removing a high-risk tree, we’re ready to get your property winter-ready.