Top Winter Tree Care Tips for Thriving Trees in South Florida

Winter in South Florida isn’t a time to relax when it comes to tree care. Unlike colder regions where trees go dormant, most trees in the Miami-Dade area stay active year-round, requiring consistent care and attention. With pests still lurking, storms always on the horizon, and proper hydration necessary every month of the year, following the right South Florida winter tree care tips is important to keeping your landscape healthy and vibrant.

Key Takeaways:

• The warm temperatures and abundant sunlight in South Florida prevent most trees from going dormant, meaning they need care and attention throughout the year.
• Regularly check your trees for signs of stress, disease, and pest infestations.
• Deep watering can help your trees grow stronger and build resilience against drought conditions over time.
• Winter is a great time to prune trees to remove dead or damaged branches and ensure good airflow within the canopy.
• To catch potential issues early on, schedule yearly tree assessments with a Certified Arborist.

Why Trees Don’t Go Dormant in South Florida

Tree dormancy is a way for trees to survive harsh winter conditions. It’s triggered by changes in temperature and daylight. In colder regions, shorter days and dropping temperatures signal trees to slow down their growth. This helps them save energy and protect themselves from freezing. During dormancy, trees stop growing, store nutrients, and essentially “rest” until spring’s warmer, longer days arrive.

But in South Florida, the conditions needed to trigger dormancy simply don’t exist. Here’s why:

• Consistently Warm Temperatures: South Florida rarely experiences the prolonged cold necessary to signal dormancy. The mild winter months, with average temperatures well above freezing, allow trees to continue growing and functioning as usual.
• Abundant Sunlight: While days are shorter in winter, South Florida still receives plenty of sunlight compared to northern regions. This constant light and warmth keep trees photosynthesizing and producing energy year-round.
• Tropical and Subtropical Tree Species: Many trees in South Florida, such as palms, ficus, and mangroves, are naturally adapted to tropical climates and do not have dormancy built into their life cycle. Instead, they thrive in consistent warmth and may even grow faster during the cooler, less humid months.

5 South Florida Winter Tree Care Tips

While South Florida doesn’t experience harsh winters, the cooler months still bring their own set of challenges for your trees. To keep your landscape healthy and thriving through the winter, it’s important to stay on top of tree care. From pest prevention to proper watering and pruning, here are five important tips to help your trees make it through the winter.

1. Monitor for Pests and Diseases

Even during winter, South Florida’s warm temperatures provide a year-round haven for pests and tree diseases. With the humidity and mild temperatures, insects like termites, aphids, and other pests remain active. Fungal infections can also spread year-round, especially with the consistent rainfall South Florida experiences throughout the year.

Here’s what to look for:

• Yellowing, browning, or curled leaves
• A sticky, sugary substance on your trees or the ground below
• Small, round holes in the trunk or limbs from wood-boring insects
• Dark or discolored spots on leaves
• Excessive sap coming from cracks in the bark

What to Do

Regularly walk around your trees and inspect them for any unusual signs. If you spot tree pests, diseases, or symptoms of stress, get in touch with a local Certified Arborist for targeted treatments. Applying the wrong pesticide or herbicide can harm beneficial insects or your tree, so it’s best to always consult with a professional.

2. Adjust Your Watering Routine

The rainy season in South Florida runs from May through September. So, when our region starts to dry out, providing supplemental water for your trees to stay healthy is important.

What to Do

Keep an eye on rainfall patterns, and if you think the soil might be dry, stick your finger a few inches into the ground. If it feels dry, water your trees deeply during dry spells. Deep watering encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, helping your tree build resilience against drought conditions over time. Use a soaker hose to ensure water reaches the root zone without running off, and avoid watering the trunk, as this can encourage fungal growth.

3. Prune for Good Structure

Pruning is necessary for healthy trees, but winter provides a great opportunity to take care of any major trimming needs. Removing dead, damaged, or dying branches reduces the risk of storm damage and keeps your trees structurally sound.

What to Do

Always call an expert who is trained to assess your trees’ health and provide precise pruning recommendations that promote growth and prevent damage. Here’s what a Certified Arborist can help with when it comes to pruning your trees:

• Remove any weak or brittle limbs, especially those that are too close to structures or power lines.
• Trim branches that are crowding the center of the tree to allow better airflow and sunlight to reach all parts of the tree.
• Focus on structural pruning for young trees to promote stronger, healthy growth as they get older.
• Avoid over pruning, as removing too much foliage can stress the tree.

4. Mulch to Protect Roots and Retain Moisture

While South Florida doesn’t normally experience freezing temperatures in the winter, it has happened, and the roots of your trees can benefit from some protection. Mulching helps keep the soil temperature steady and prevents moisture loss, especially during dry spells.

What to Do

Spread a 2–4-inch layer of mulch around the base of your trees, making sure to keep it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. Organic mulch like wood chips or shredded bark works best, as it will decompose and add nutrients to the soil. Replenish mulch as needed to maintain a healthy layer.

5. Schedule a Professional Tree Inspection

While tasks like watering and mulching can be handled on your own, some tree care issues require the expertise of a professional, such as root problems or early signs of disease. A Certified Arborist can conduct a thorough tree inspection, often uncovering issues you might not have noticed.

What to Do

Make it a priority to schedule an annual tree assessment with a reputable company that employs a Certified Arborist. They can offer personalized recommendations to ensure your trees are well-maintained and receive the best care possible. Addressing potential issues

early increases the likelihood of a full recovery, helping your trees thrive for years to come and potentially saving you from costly removals or extensive treatments in the future.

Trust the Experts at Sherlock Tree for Winter Tree Care

If you need expert advice on helping your trees prepare for cooler temperatures, Sherlock Tree is your go-to company for winter tree care in South Florida. Our team of Certified Arborists is here to provide the tailored care your trees need to thrive.

Call us today at 954-788-4000 or request an estimate online and keep your trees in the best shape all year long!