How to Protect Young Trees from Wind Damage

Young trees are particularly susceptible to weather, particularly wind. Storms and strong winds can push saplings hard enough to topple them or cause serious damage. Although you can’t control the weather, there are measures you can take to keep your trees safe until they grow strong enough to withstand gale force winds.

  • Choose a good location – Before planting your tree, survey your property to find the best place to plant (e.g. behind your house) and choose a spot that has excellent protection. If the wind blows from west to east, plant the tree on the east side of your home. The house can help protect the trees from stronger winds.
  • Stake the trees – When planting a new tree, install two or three stakes to provide support and prevent trees from falling. Metal or wood stakes are both excellent options. Use soft, strong fabric to tie the tree to the stake and leave enough slack for the tree to sway naturally in normal winds. This helps the tree develop a stable trunk and roots to withstand future weather conditions.
  • Use cover – While this technique is normally used to protect trees from frost, it also provides protection from wind. Cover the tree with burlap or another suitable protective material, then secure it around the bottom of the trunk. Remember to remove the cover once the wind dies down so that the tree has access to rain and sunlight.How to Protect Young Trees from Wind Damage
  • Supply ample water – Water the tree regularly. Hydration promotes the growth of roots and branches, which keep the tree stable. Proper hydration also keeps young trees healthy, which is necessary for their growth. Failing to water trees leads to weakening of their branches and roots, making them less stable.
  • Prune regularly – Consistent pruning can remove weight from a young tree before it develops a stable base. Dead or dying branches are other points of stress on the tree, and they must be removed to reduce stress from strong winds. Find a licensed tree service to prune any branches that may threaten the tree’s stability.

Tree owners must protect their younger trees, and provide proper care and maintenance for older, sturdier ones. While these tips are helpful to get a young tree started, contact a professional tree service for specialized tree care and maintenance.

How to Protect Young Trees from Wind Damage

At Great Northern ReGreenery, we help with all your tree needs, including tree removal in Alliston, Barrie, Bradford, Newmarket, and Aurora. We pride ourselves on quality work and excellent service. Call us at (905) 775-7444 for a free inspection and assessment.