Preparing Your Trees for Spring in Toronto and the GTA

As late winter grips the Toronto Area in early March, spring feels tantalizingly close. It seems Wiarton Willie reportedly did not see his shadow, so we could see a warming trend around the corner! 

That being said, although snow is piled high, now’s the time to prepare your trees for the eventual thaw, and explosion of life and vitality that comes with a wonderful new season. After months of snow, and frigid winds, your trees need attention to thrive in the coming warm months. Here’s how to get them ready.

First, assess winter’s toll. Call your local Zen Tree Care representative and walk your property with him, and look for broken branches, split bark, or signs of weak unions among main stems and branches. Toronto’s winter storms, like those we’ve seen this season, often snap limbs or stress trunks. It’s important to assess these injuries and implement a proper restoration program.

Next, prune strategically. Late winter, before sap flows, is prime time for trimming deciduous trees like maples, oaks, or birches. Zen Tree Care qualified staff will cut away dead and dying branches, suckers, and any limbs which may be a safety threat. For flowering trees like crabapples, hold off until after their spring bloom to avoid losing this year’s show.

Where weak unions have been identified, it may be necessary to install bracing and cabling supports to improve longevity. Many tree failures are preventable, and threat to life and property can be mitigated through the various methods of bracing and cabling. Ask a Zen Tree Care representative to assess your trees to take a proactive approach.

Cobra Cabling System

In the unfortunate case whereby a tree has sustained critical injury and defect, it may be necessary to perform a partial or complete removal. By getting Zen Tree Care to assess the condition and state of the tree, you will be better prepared to decide a course of action. We will give you an honest and transparent analysis, and a pragmatic approach to the issues the tree presents.

Another Victim of Emerald Ash Borer

Once the winter snow has retreated, clear the base of each tree. Rake up soggy leaves, twigs, and snow mold that piled up under January’s snowpacks. This keeps the trunk flare exposed and dry, thwarting rodents like voles that gnaw bark under cover. Skip the mulch volcanoes—piling mulch against the trunk traps moisture and presents issues for the tree basal area.

Speaking of mulch, add a fresh layer. Spread 2–3 inches of wood chips or shredded bark out to the drip line (the edge of the canopy) where possible. This insulates roots against Toronto’s wild freeze-thaw swings and locks in moisture for spring and summer months. Keep it a few inches from the trunk to avoid rot.

By acting before the thaw, you’ll give your trees a head start. Pruned, mulched, and protected, they’ll burst into spring with vigor—ready for the warm months of 2025. Call Zen Tree Care now for a free checkup. Your yard will thank you with greener days ahead.