December may look peaceful in North Texas, but your trees are still working hard behind the scenes. Cooler temperatures, occasional freezes, and winter storms can quietly impact the health of your landscape. A little attention now goes a long way toward preventing costly problems later.

Here are Arbor Wizards’ most important December tree care tips to help your property look its best across Farmers Branch, Dallas, Richardson, Garland, Rowlett, Rockwall, Sunnyvale, and Mesquite.

Prune Strategically — But Don’t Overdo It

December is an excellent time for light pruning once trees have gone dormant. Removing dead, damaged, or crossing limbs promotes stronger growth and lowers the risk of breakage during winter storms.

Focus on:

• Dead or cracked branches

• Limbs rubbing against structures

• Weak growth from earlier in the year

• Branches damaged by fall storms

Major pruning on large trees should always be handled by a professional to avoid uneven growth or safety risks.

Protect Young and Sensitive Trees

North Texas weather can change fast. One warm week followed by a sudden freeze can stress newly planted trees — especially ornamentals and fruit trees.

Protect them by:

• Adding 2–4 inches of mulch around the base

• Wrapping trunks of young trees with breathable tree wrap

• Using frost cloth when temperatures drop below freezing

These steps help regulate soil temperature and prevent bark damage.

Keep an Eye on Winter Watering

Rain is unpredictable in December, and trees still require moisture — especially evergreens. Long dry spells can weaken trees during dormancy and cause root stress.

Water trees:

• Every 3–4 weeks during dry periods

• Midday when temperatures are above freezing

• Slowly and deeply around the root zone

Avoid watering when the ground is frozen.

Check for Storm Damage Every Cold Front

Strong winds, ice, and saturated soil can loosen roots or crack limbs without immediate signs.

After a storm:

• Look for leaning trees

• Inspect for split branches

• Check exposed roots

• Remove hanging limbs promptly

Catching damage early prevents accidents and expensive repairs.

Leave Leaves (In the Right Places)

Not all fallen leaves need to be bagged. Leaves are natural insulation and protect tree roots from cold air.

Rake leaves away from:

• Gutters

• Walkways

• Driveways

But allow leaves to remain lightly layered around tree bases and in garden beds for insulation.

Schedule a Winter Tree Inspection

Winter is the perfect time for professional tree evaluations because structural issues are easier to spot when trees are bare.

A certified arborist can:

• Identify disease

• Detect weak limbs

• Assess safety risks

• Catch pest problems early

Preventive care now saves you from emergency calls later.

Prepare for Spring Growth Now

December sets the stage for spring. Trees that enter winter healthy emerge stronger in March.

Complete this checklist:

• Apply mulch

• Remove storm debris

• Prune lightly

• Inspect roots

• Monitor moisture

This simple routine boosts growth and reduces problems next season.

Local Tree Care Matters

Trees in Garland and Rockwall don’t always face the same conditions as those in Dallas or Farmers Branch. Soil quality, wind exposure, drainage, and freeze frequency differ from city to city.

Working with a local tree care team ensures your trees get solutions tailored to the North Texas climate.

Let Arbor Wizards Help Your Trees Thrive This Winter

December is a month of preparation, not inactivity. Investing in winter tree care ensures healthier growth and fewer issues when spring arrives.

Whether you’re in Richardson, Mesquite, or anywhere in between, Arbor Wizards is ready to help protect and maintain your trees through the cold months.