Winter weather can be harsh on trees. From frozen ground, to windburn and broken branches in windy weather. We have put together a checklist of easy, but high-impact DIY tasks you can do to prep your tree and garden for winter.
Taking care of these basics in Autumn prevents expensive problems when temperatures drop and storms hit.
Tree and Branch Management
Dead or damaged branches pose the biggest threat to homes during winter storms. Heavy wind can bring down limbs that seemed secure during calm weather. Walking around the property to identify problem branches is the first step in winter prep.
Look for branches that hang over the house, driveway, or power lines. Dead branches are obvious candidates for removal. Branches that rub against each other in the wind often weaken over time and should be addressed.
For smaller branches that can be reached safely from the ground or a sturdy ladder, homeowners can handle the removal themselves. A battery chainsaw makes quick work of branches up to about 8 inches in diameter, and the cordless design eliminates the hassle of extension cords or gas mixing.
Note: Tree trimming is an extremely dangerous task. You should not be working on trees any larger than 5m in height. Larger trees or any branches near power lines need to be handled by a professional arborist.
Mulching around trees
Tree mulch forms a protective layer between soil and the hard cold of winter. As mulch slowly breaks down, the enzymes create heat. This heat keeps the soil and roots at a moderate temperature during winter. Mulching around small and medium-sized trees gives them a huge advantage as it reduces frost damage, helps them conserve energy, and supports healthier growth when spring arrives.
Watering Systems
Frozen pipes are one of the most expensive winter problems for homeowners. Preventing freeze damage requires shutting off water to sprinkler systems and draining the lines, just in case there is a cold snap that freezes pipes
Once the system is drained, be sure to remove and store garden hoses, sprinkler attachments, and other accessories that can trap water and cause damage when it freezes. Even small amounts of trapped water can crack expensive fittings.
Wrapping Young or Thin-Barked Trees
In cooler parts of Australia, young gums, wattles, and fruit trees with thin bark are prone to winter stress. Sudden shifts between warm days and cold nights can cause frost cracks or sunscald, while hungry possums and rabbits may strip bark when food is scarce. Once the bark is damaged, it opens the tree to pests and disease that can set back growth for years.
To prevent this, wrap the trunk with hessian or commercial tree wrap, starting at the soil line and working up to the first branches. This simple barrier insulates against temperature swings and stops animals from chewing through the bark. Just remember to take it off once the weather warms in spring so moisture doesn’t build up and cause rot.
Fertilise in late Autumn
Winter is not the season for a heavy feed, but giving trees a slow-release fertiliser in late autumn — before the soil cools right down — sets them up with the reserves they’ll need in spring. This is especially useful for fruit trees, ornamental deciduous trees, and young natives establishing their root systems.
Choose a fertiliser suited to the species — native blends for eucalypts, wattles, or grevilleas, and balanced slow-release options for exotics. Apply it evenly around the dripline, water it in well, and then cover with mulch. Done at the right time, this ensures nutrients are available as soon as growth kicks off in warmer weather.
Protect Evergreens from Windburn
While evergreens like conifers, lilly pillies, and callistemons keep their foliage year-round, they can dry out badly in winter. Cold winds strip moisture from the leaves faster than the roots can replace it, leaving foliage scorched and brown — a condition known as windburn. Younger trees and those in exposed spots are most at risk.
To minimise this, you can spray foliage with an anti-desiccant to help the leaves hold moisture through the colder months. Another option is to set up a simple hessian or shade-cloth screen on the windward side, creating a buffer from the worst of the winter gusts. Both methods help keep evergreens healthy and green right through to spring.
Planning for Success
The key to effective winter preparation is starting early and working systematically through a checklist. Most of these tasks can be completed over a few weekends in Autumn, well before winter weather arrives.
Keep records of what you’ve accomplished and when. This helps with scheduling annual maintenance and ensures nothing gets forgotten. Take photos of problem areas before and after repairs to track the condition of your trees over time.
Winter preparation is an investment in your property and landscaping. The time spent on these tasks in Autumn pays dividends throughout the cold season and as your trees emerge in spring, healthier and more vibrant than ever.
Author: Ben McInerney is a certified arborist with over 15 years of experience in urban tree management, including tree removal, trimming and arborist reports.
