Residential tree care does not stop during the winter months. Instead, winter is the prime time to do basic tree maintenance. Here is a helpful checklist to assist city residents in finding articles on tree information:

• Hire a Maryland licensed tree expert to inspect and prune your trees. The list of Maryland licensed Tree Care Companies can be found here: Find a Licensed Tree Expert (state.md.us)
• Learn how to prune small trees. Read Pruning Brochure-Color (collegeparkmd.gov). To learn if a tree on your property can be pruned during the winter or after blooming, please refer to Pruning Trees in the Home Landscape | University of Maryland Extension (umd.edu).
• Complete a City of College Park tree pruning or removal permit application if one is requesting to prune more than 20% of a tree’s live crown or to remove a tree greater than 36” in circumference measured at 4.5’ height above the ground. https://www.collegeparkmd.gov/FormCenter/DPW-10/Tree-Removal-and-Pruning-Permit-Applicat-92.
• Water newly planted trees. When the temperature is above forty degrees trees should be watered if dry and there has been no precipitation for some time.
• Protecting young trees from deer damage. The January 2023 Municipal Scene article describing how to protect your trees from deer: Buck Up! Protecting Young Trees from Deer Rubbing this Fall - Municipal Scene - October 2023 (foleon.com)
• Butterflies and lightning bugs. If you missed the last city’s leaf collection do not worry. The leaves can be left where they fell or used as mulch. This helps the survival of many beneficial insects. Leaving the leaves provides insect habitat and allows birds to find insects wintering under the leaves. After the Leaves Fall - Municipal Scene - December 2023 (foleon.com)
• Remove English Ivy on crisp and sunny winter days. Before clipping or pruning a gap in English Ivy at the bottom of the tree, study how to identify the plant to avoid other vines and to reduce tree damage. English Ivy | University of Maryland Extension (umd.edu)