How to Prepare My Calgary Home for Winter?

When winter rolls into Calgary, it doesn’t come quietly. From frigid temperatures and Chinook winds to heavy snowfalls and icy conditions, your home and landscape face serious seasonal stress. While general winter prep like sealing windows or servicing your furnace is important, one of the most overlooked areas is your trees and yard, especially in Alberta’s unpredictable climate.

Here’s how to prepare your trees (and the rest of your property) so you’re not left with costly damage or dangerous conditions when the snow hits.

Tree Care: The Priority for Outdoor Winter Prep

1. Deep Watering in Late Fall

Before the ground freezes, give your trees a slow, deep watering. This is especially important for evergreens, which remain metabolically active during winter. Without moisture, roots can desiccate under frozen soil conditions.

• Water late in the season, right before consistent freezing temps

• Focus on young and newly planted trees first

• Target evergreens and shallow-rooted species

Need help watering large trees? Evergreen LTD offers pre-winter tree care support.

2. Apply Mulch to Insulate Roots

Use organic mulch like bark or wood chips to create a 2–4 inch layer around tree bases. This insulates the soil, protects roots from freeze-thaw cycles, and retains moisture through winter.

• Keep mulch a few inches from the trunk to avoid rot

• Focus on exposed, shallow-rooted species

3. Prune Dead or Risky Branches

Late fall is the ideal time to prune. Without leaves, it’s easier to identify deadwood or weak limbs that could break under snow or wind.

• ISA-certified arborists should handle larger or high-risk pruning

• Avoid over-pruning, which can expose trees to winter injury

Winter is a great time to book pruning services. Contact Evergreen LTD before the snow sets in.

4. Protect Trees from Sunscald & Wind

Calgary’s sun and Chinooks can cause temperature swings that damage bark. Use light-coloured tree wraps or burlap on young or thin-barked trees to prevent sunscald and frost cracks.

• Wrap trunks from base to just above the first branches

• Remove wrap in spring to prevent pest issues

5. Prevent Wildlife Damage

Rabbits, mice, and deer often chew bark or damage trees when food is scarce. Wrap trunks in wire mesh or commercial tree guards, and clear snow buildup at the base to prevent “snow ramps.”

6. Clear Heavy Snow Safely

After a major snowfall, gently remove snow from evergreen branches to prevent breakage. Don’t shake frozen limbs, brush them downwards with care.

7. Inspect for Pests or Disease

Before winter sets in, check for signs of disease or pest issues like bronze leaf disease, cankers, or fungal infections. These problems can worsen in winter and affect nearby trees come spring.

Evergreen LTD provides full inspections to detect and mitigate pre-winter tree risks.

General Winter Prep Tips for a Safer Home

To keep your property safe and efficient during a Calgary winter, don’t neglect the rest of your home while focusing on trees. Here are a few key prep areas that complement your landscape care:

• Clean gutters and inspect your roof to prevent ice dams and water damage

• Weather-strip windows and doors to block drafts and reduce heating costs

• Shut off and drain exterior faucets to avoid frozen pipes

• Service your furnace and test carbon monoxide detectors for indoor safety

• Stock emergency supplies like salt, blankets, flashlights, and food

These steps round out your prep, but tree care should stay top of mind, especially with Alberta’s climate extremes.

Why Tree Prep Matters Most

Trees are one of your property’s most valuable, and vulnerable assets. When unprepared, they can:

• Drop heavy limbs on homes, vehicles, or power lines

• Suffer irreparable bark or root damage

• Become safety hazards for you and your neighbours

By investing in proper fall maintenance, you protect your property value, maintain curb appeal, and avoid costly removals or repairs come spring.

Work With ISA-Certified Arborists This Winter

DIY solutions can only go so far. If you’re unsure about pruning, pest issues, or how to wrap your trees safely, it’s best to bring in the experts.

At Evergreen LTD, our ISA-certified arborists provide:

• Pre-winter tree inspections

• Professional pruning and hazard mitigation

• Tree wrapping and mulching

• Safe snow damage response

• Emergency risk assessments

We’re Calgary’s trusted partner in year-round tree care.

Don’t Wait for the First Snowfall

Winter can hit fast, and hit hard. Book your tree service early to ensure your yard is safe, resilient, and ready.

Contact Evergreen LTD today to schedule your fall tree inspection or winter prep service.