Newly planted trees and tall shrubs in your landscape are an investment in the future of your outdoor experiences.  While trees tend to be fairly hardy, it is important to keep several tips in mind as we enter January.  In our area of Hendersonville, Asheville and Brevard, January tends to be the time for the greatest chances of snow and ice.  And although many of us came here to get away from the harsh winters elsewhere in the US, we do still get a few occasional storms during the winter.  Knowing how to prepare your young trees and what to do when the storm hits, can make the difference between a beautiful and thriving tree in the spring, summer and falls to come, or one that is more likely to contract insect infestations or disease.  Consider these tips for January:

If your young tree or shrub is still a bit leggy, consider adding some stakes and wire to secure it in case of high winds or heavy ice or snow.  Just make sure that that the areas that touch the tree or loose enough and made of a material that won't harm the bark as the tree sways in the wind.

An easy way to stake a tree and protect the bark from damage is by using small sections of garden hose cut in to small lengths. Simply thread your rope or string through the hose and position it on the tree trunk just above a branch.

A corallary to tip one, is to make sure that any existing stakes and wire are still securely in the ground and wiring is not too tight to damage the bark or altering growth as the spring season begins.

In the event of an ice storm, don't try to break the ice from the branches.  Doing so is much more likely to result in damage to the tree. Also keep in mind that the light layer of ice actually helps to insulate the tree.

Leave snow on the ground around the roots.  Not only will this help insulate the roots from the cold, but as the snow melts it slowly releases the water back into the ground.