Plymouth Forester: Lack of Snow Could Impact Trees
The dry winter does not bode well for the health of Minnesota trees.
The past three summers were drought years. Winter snowfall has helped replenish trees in need of moisture.
But with minimal snowfall this winter, trees are coming up dry.
Plymouth City Forester Paul Buck said dry trees are more likely to be victims of invasive species like emerald ash borer.
Helping to keep trees on your own property hydrated can make them less susceptible.
“Every tree really does count,” Buck said. “It doesn’t feel like it should be that big of a deal, but if we keep losing more and more of them, it will kind of compound the problem.”
One way to check a tree’s health is by looking at the growth patterns on its branches.
You can check if your tree is healthy by paying attention to growth patterns on the ends of the branches. Buck recommends having an arborist out to look at your leaves if you have concerns.
He also said you can keep trees hydrated by watering once the ground thaws. Buck explained that shade is a valuable resource, both for environmental reasons and curb appeal. He said watering your trees is a relatively cheap and worthy investment to keep neighborhoods and environments healthy.
The city of Plymouth is also holding its annual tree and shrub sale beginning in early March. He said it’s an inexpensive way to re-landscape your yard. Buck said the first week of sales are limited to Plymouth residents, and after March 8 it opens to the general public.
More information for the tree sale will be available online in the future.
If you’d like advice on how to take care of your trees, Paul Buck can be reached at PBuck@plymouthmn.gov, or at (763) 509-5944.
