The City of Grande Prairie has issued a few tips for residents to keep the urban forest healthy through the winter.
According to the city, winter can be quite tough on trees; however, a little bit of extra care can go a long way. Officials say heavy snow, ice, and temperature swings can lead to broken branches, frost damage, and even rodent damage, especially in younger trees.
As a result, this winter, the city is encouraging residents to protect their trees by following a few simple steps.
To start, officials suggest wrapping up young trees, as tree wraps help prevent sunscald and rodent damage. Using mulch can also help too as a layer of mulch around a tree’s base can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Additionally, taking advantage of the winter as a time to prune trees ahead of the summer, and clearing heavy snow from tree branches can also help keep trees healthy through the cold.
The city adds that any green thumbs are urged to consider choosing native species when planting season begins.
