Your Trees Are Dormant in Winter — Potomac Tree’s Arborists Are Not

Serving Northern Virginia Municipalities, HOAs & Commercial Properties

When winter settles across Northern Virginia, many assume tree care pauses until spring. In reality, tree dormancy creates one of the most effective windows for professional arboricultural work.

While trees rest, Potomac Tree & Shrub’s ISA Certified Arborists remain active year-round, supporting municipalities, HOAs, and commercial properties with proactive, risk-focused tree care.

Why Winter Is Strategic for Tree Care in Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia winters provide optimal conditions for structural and safety-driven tree work, especially in public rights-of-way, parks, campuses, and managed landscapes.

Winter advantages include:

• Clear visibility of tree structure without leaf cover

• Easier identification of decay, cavities, and weak branch unions

• Reduced impact to turf, gardens, and landscaped areas

• Lower risk of spreading pests and pathogens

• Opportunity to prepare trees before spring storms and growth cycles

  
  

For municipalities and property managers, winter work supports safer streets, healthier tree canopies, and more predictable budgeting.

Winter Tree Services Offered by Potomac Tree & Shrub

We provide a full range of winter services across Northern Virginia, including:

🌳 Structural Tree Pruning

Dormant-season pruning improves canopy structure, reduces risk, and supports long-term tree health while minimizing stress to the tree.

🪵 Tree Removal & Stump Grinding

Winter removals are often more efficient and less disruptive to surrounding landscapes, making them ideal for high-traffic areas and public spaces.

🔗 Cabling & Bracing

Without foliage, structural defects are easier to assess. Winter is an ideal time to install support systems that help prevent limb and trunk failures.

⚡ Lightning Protection Systems

Bare canopies allow precise installation of lightning protection — an important safeguard for mature trees in parks, campuses, and civic spaces.

🧠 Tree Risk Assessments, Appraisals & Consulting

Tree value, risk, and management needs can be accurately assessed year-round. Winter evaluations allow municipalities and property managers to plan maintenance schedules and capital improvements before peak season.

Winter Pruning Helps Reduce Disease Pressure

Many fungal and bacterial diseases spread during warmer, wetter months. Winter pruning helps:

• Remove infected branches safely

• Reduce pathogen spread

• Improve airflow and structural resilience

• Cold conditions naturally limit disease activity, making winter an ideal time for corrective pruning

  
  

The Importance of In-Person Tree Evaluations

A common question we hear is: “Can you diagnose a tree issue over the phone?”

Effective tree assessment — especially in winter — requires an on-site evaluation. Structural defects, decay, and risk factors near roads, buildings, and pedestrian areas are often not visible without a professional inspection.

Our Certified Arborists evaluate:

• Tree structure and defects

• Site conditions and targets

• Risk levels and mitigation options

• Long-term management priorities

  
  

Plan Ahead Before Spring Arrives

Winter is the ideal time for municipalities and property managers to:

• Address hazardous trees before spring storms

• Install proactive support systems

• Develop multi-year tree management plans

• Secure preferred scheduling before peak season

Proactive winter care reduces emergency response costs and improves public safety.

Schedule a Winter Tree Evaluation

Potomac Tree & Shrub works throughout the winter months, supporting Northern Virginia municipalities, HOAs, and commercial properties with professional, science-based tree care.

📞 Call Jeremy Baker, ISA Certified Arborist: 571-354-1153

🌐 Visit: PotomacTree.com

Dormancy isn’t downtime — it’s preparation.

Let winter work for your urban forest.