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Outdoors
Michigan DNR
Even in the middle of winter, it’s not too early to be thinking of ways to be a good tree tender. One way is to prune your trees and shrubs to boost their health. Looking ahead, you can research and plan for new trees in your space, planting them once the ground thaws. See our quick tips to get your plant on!
Prune: Late winter is the best time to prune most types of trees. This is especially important for oaks to reduce the risk of spreading oak wilt disease. Pruning is used to improve a tree’s structure, remove weak or dead limbs and increase airflow, helping to ensure health during the growing season. If you have fruit trees, which require specialized care, see a winter fruit tree pruning article from Michigan State University Extension.
Plan: Are you adding more trees in 2024? Think about whether you want a tree that will benefit pollinators, attract your favorite birds and wildlife or provide magnificent fall color. Take your growing zone, site conditions and nearby infrastructure (buildings, power lines and underground cables) into account to pick trees that are perfect for your location.
Once you’ve made your picks, it’s time to order them from your local conservation district or tree nursery. You can also purchase trees online from the Arbor Day Foundation or a reputable nursery. Don’t delay – many tree sales start in midwinter with spring pickup. If you’re planning to plant many trees on a large area of land, check out our resources for private forest land owners.