How do I prepare my new tree for winter?

Remove old mulch to get rid of any mold that may have grown.

Add new mulch in a ring around the tree, you can layer it to be about 3" to 4" tall, just make sure the mulch doesn't touch the base of the tree so you don't promote fungus or mold on the tree.

Note: Mulch slows moisture loss and protects roots from rapid soil temperature change.

Lightly prune any dead or weak branches. You can also remove new growth from the lower parts of the tree's trunk to keep the tree growing tall, rather than wide.

Tip: Depending on how much rain there has been, you might need to give your tree a really good deep soaking of water before the ground freezes for the first time in the fall/winter.

Depending on when your home was built, wait to fertilize a new tree that has been transplanted until Spring. Otherwise, apply a fertilizer in early Fall that has low amounts of nitrogen, but high amounts of phosphorus and potassium.

How do I prepare my new tree for winter?

One of the most important things you can do is add mulch around the base of the tree, without letting it touch the tree directly.