How to Prepare Your Trees & Shrubs for Winter in Northwest Indiana

Fall Tree Protection Tips to Keep Your Landscape Healthy Through Winter

Introduction

Learn expert-recommended tree and shrub winter prep tips for Northwest Indiana, including watering, mulching, protection, and inspection before freezing temps arrive.

How do you prepare trees for winter in Indiana?
✅ Water deeply before the ground freezes
✅ Add mulch for insulation
✅ Protect trunks from sunscald & animal damage
✅ Avoid late-season fertilizing or heavy pruning
✅ Schedule inspections to catch structural issues

🍂 1. Deep Watering Before the Ground Freezes

Even if it’s cool out, roots still need moisture before the ground locks up.

Focus on newly planted trees or those in dry or sandy soils
Water deeply once a week in dry fall conditions
Best time? Mid–late October if rain is light

💧 Pro Tip: Soaker hoses or slow-drip buckets work better than overhead watering.

🌿 2. Mulch Matters (More Than You Think)

Mulching insulates the soil, protects roots from freeze/thaw cycles, and retains moisture.

Apply 2–3 inches in a wide ring around the base
Keep mulch 3–6 inches away from the trunk to prevent rot
Avoid piles or volcano-shaped mounds

🛡️ 3. Protect Trunks from Sunscald & Animal Damage

Sunscald is common on young or thin-barked trees (like maple or cherry) during winter. Rodents and deer can also strip bark.

✅ Use white tree guards or trunk wrap
✅ Remove wrap in early spring
✅ Use repellents or fencing if deer pressure is high

🧪 4. Skip Fertilizing Late in the Season

Late-season fertilization can encourage tender growth vulnerable to frost. Unless you're applying a root-zone, fall-specific formula, hold off on nitrogen-heavy products after early October.