Each fall, as the temperature drops and leaves begin to fall, homeowners routinely prepare their property by cutting back perennials and winterizing lawns, but most neglect to properly prepare their trees for the cold, harsh winter season. Long Island’s Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum, which is known for its world-class arboreta, is regularly approached by homeowners, requesting tips on how the Level II Arboretum cares for and maintains its 500-acre property with its diverse assortment of prized trees.
Ertugrul Kasap, the Master Gardener for Pinelawn’s meticulously maintained landscape explains, “Many trees that are not prepared for winter might be subject to stress, disease, fungus and physical damage. In New York especially, our trees undergo a large amount of stress from the cold, wind and ongoing wet conditions, but if you take the time to care for them now, you will help your beloved and beautiful trees withstand the harsh winter weather to ensure their vitality and growth come spring.”
Kasap emphasizes that homeowners should take tree soil samples which should be done twice a year – in the fall and in the spring. Tree soil sample kits can be purchased at local home stores and will indicate if the soil needs fertilizer. “If a tree has the proper soil, it will have a huge health advantage,” explains Kasap. “This is comparable to a person having a healthy immune system — they are more likely to be able to fend off colds, viruses, and infections. If a tree has healthy soil, it is more resilient to fungus, disease, insect problems, physical damage, and climate / environmental conditions.” When purchasing the kits, it’s important to note that different types of trees, even in different parts of the yard, may require different types of fertilizer.
Kasap also encourages homeowners to inspect their trees now to check for vulnerability which can be identified by yellowing leaves or needles, early loss of foliage, thin canopy, decay, insect, or physical damage and broken branches, which can be dangerous. “If a tree is weak prior to the winter, it may have trouble surviving it,” says Kasap. If the tree is showing signs of vulnerability, a local arborist should be contacted. He also suggests homeowners research the type of trees they have and keep up with the geographical data in their area to understand which trees may be most vulnerable during winter.
In regards to recently planted trees, Kasap advises watering them before temperatures freeze. He also explains that some recent fall plantings may require protection from harsh wind, which can be remedied by wrapping them in burlap. To prevent damage from heavy snow, he warns some trees may need to be tied up to reduce the chances of the weight breaking their branches.
Lastly, homeowners should know that winter is the best time for structural pruning for most trees. “When the tree is dormant, cuts that need to be made will be less stressful to the tree,” says Kasap.
Pinelawn’s Arboretum, which was awarded Level II status from the International Arboretum Accreditation Program, ArbNet in 2021, is home to three distinct collections of trees. This includes their Noteworthy Collection, which boasts 10 of its highest priority and valued trees, including a Weeping Beech, its oldest tree at over 120 years old, with a crown size spread of 74 feet, and the Nikko Maple, its rarest, whose species originated in Japan. Pinelawn has also been recognized as an accredited arboretum in the Morton Register of Arboreta, a database of the world’s arboreta and gardens dedicated to woody plants.
With a focus on education, Pinelawn annually organizes and hosts annual events that are free of charge and open to the public to educate them about the variety of special arboreta on its property, including its Fall Foliage and Spring Arboretum Tours. To find out more details about these and other events, click here to see the full 2022 calendar of events and to sign up for email updates.
“Our staff takes great pride in maintaining a healthy, tranquil and beautiful environment for families throughout our gardens,” said Justin Locke, President of Pinelawn. “We are happy to be able to share our knowledge with the community so that together, we can enjoy the natural beauty of the environment.”
Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum, located in Farmingdale, New York, is a non-sectarian cemetery prided on creating and maintaining a beautiful and serene environment where families can find tranquility and comfort. Its open and expansive landscape features hundreds of acres of manicured grounds, unique architecture, flowing bronze fountains, and flower-lined walks. Its beautiful memorial gardens offer all who visit scenic beauty where they can reflect upon their loved ones in peace. For more information on Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum, or to schedule a tour of the property, visit www.pinelawn.com or call 631-249-6100.
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