Winter Tree Care Guide for South Florida: What You Actually Need to Do

If you’ve been wondering whether standard winter tree care practices apply to Broward County’s subtropical climate, you’re asking the right question. At Discount Tree Service, we’ve spent over 25 years caring for South Florida trees through hundreds of winter seasons, and we’re here to clarify exactly what winter tree maintenance actually means in our region.

Looking for expert guidance on keeping your trees healthy this winter? Our Broward County tree care specialists understand the unique challenges of our subtropical climate and can provide tailored care recommendations for your specific landscape.

South Florida’s winter bears little resemblance to what most tree care guides describe. While temperatures occasionally dip into the 40s or even 30s during cold fronts, our average winter temperatures range from the mid-60s to mid-70s—conditions that keep most trees actively growing rather than dormant.

South Florida doesn’t experience the harsh freezing temperatures that force trees to go dormant in winter like northern regions. This fundamental difference means caring for trees in South Florida requires a completely different approach than traditional winter tree care tips you’ll find in general gardening guides.

What makes our winter different:

• Limited dormancy: Most trees don’t go dormant and continue photosynthesis throughout the winter months
• Dry season: Winter months (December through March) typically bring less rainfall, affecting tree health
• Occasional cold snaps: Brief temperature drops can stress tropical tree species
• Active pest cycles: Many tree pests and tree diseases remain active year-round
• Variable microclimates: Coastal areas stay warmer than inland Broward County locations

This unique climate means that preparing your trees for winter requires understanding which trees and shrubs need attention and which tree care services actually benefit South Florida landscapes. Winter in South Florida is less about protection from extended cold and more about maintaining tree health during the dry season while managing occasional temperature fluctuations.

While South Florida rarely experiences prolonged freezing temperatures, brief cold snaps can damage or kill sensitive tropical tree species that thrive during our typical weather. Understanding which trees need protection—and how to protect your trees properly—is essential for winter tree care in Broward County.

Different tree species have vastly different cold tolerance levels. Knowing your tree species helps you provide appropriate care during colder weather events.

High Sensitivity (protect when temperatures drop below 40°F):

• Mango trees
• Avocado trees (especially young specimens)
• Tropical fruit trees (lychee, longan, carambola)
• Bougainvillea
• Hibiscus
• Croton
• Ficus varieties

Moderate Sensitivity (protect when temperatures drop below 32°F):

• Citrus trees (most varieties)
• Royal palm trees
• Coconut palm trees
• Banana plants
• Plumeria

Cold Hardy (rarely need protection in Broward County):

• Live oak
• Live oaks
• Mahogany
• Gumbo limbo
• Sabal palm trees
• Simpson stopper
• Most native Florida trees

When cold weather is forecast, protect your trees with methods that don’t create secondary problems. Professional arborists recommend these proven techniques to help your trees survive occasional cold snaps.

Do:

• Cover small trees and shrubs with frost blankets or bed sheets, ensuring coverage extends to the ground
• Water your trees thoroughly 24-48 hours before a freeze (moist soil retains heat better and reduces moisture loss)
• Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your trees to insulate tree roots
• Use tree wrap on young or thin-barked trees to prevent bark damage
• Use incandescent holiday lights (not LEDs) under tree coverings for additional warmth
• Remove coverings once temperatures rise above 50°F to prevent overheating

Don’t:

• Use plastic sheeting directly on foliage (traps moisture and can cause fungal infections)
• Leave coverings on during warm days (can overheat and stress trees)
• Apply fertilizer before or during cold weather (stimulates tender new growth vulnerable to damage)
• Prune cold-damaged branches immediately (wait until late winter to assess true damage)

For larger trees that can’t be covered, focus on maintaining overall health through proper watering and avoiding activities that might stimulate cold-sensitive new growth. Check your trees after any cold event for signs of damage, and consult certified arborists if you notice significant problems.

South Florida’s winter dry season creates water stress that many homeowners don’t recognize because temperatures remain comfortable and lawns stay green with irrigation. However, tree roots extend much deeper than turf grass, and trees require different watering strategies to maintain tree health during the cooler months.

Winter is the ideal time to adjust your irrigation schedule to match reduced rainfall and ensure your trees receive adequate moisture without overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other tree diseases.

Established trees (planted more than 2 years):

• Water deeply every 7-10 days if no rainfall occurs
• Apply 15-20 gallons per inch of trunk diameter
• Water in early morning to reduce evaporation and moisture loss
• Extend watering area to the drip line (outer edge of canopy)
• Deep watering helps keep the soil moist at root depth

Young trees (planted within last 2 years):

• Water 2-3 times per week during dry periods
• Apply 10-15 gallons per watering session
• Monitor soil moisture 6-8 inches deep
• Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging
• Young trees need extra care to establish strong tree roots

Container palm trees and tropical specimens:

• Check soil moisture every 2-3 days
• Water when top 2 inches of soil feels dry
• Ensure containers have adequate drainage
• Container trees dry out faster and need more frequent attention

Even during our mild Florida winters, trees can suffer from drought stress. Watch for these indicators that your trees need additional water:

• Leaf wilting or drooping during afternoon hours
• Premature leaf drop (especially in deciduous trees)
• Brown or crispy leaf margins
• Slowed or stopped growth
• Cracking bark on trunks or branches

If you notice these symptoms, increase watering frequency and duration. However, avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot—a common problem when homeowners overcompensate after noticing stress symptoms. Proper soil care includes maintaining moisture balance that keeps trees healthy without creating conditions favorable to fungal infections.

Pruning timing in South Florida requires careful consideration of our unique growing season and occasional cold weather. Unlike northern regions where trees are dormant in winter, making it the ideal pruning season, our subtropical climate demands a more nuanced approach to winter pruning and tree trimming.

Late Winter/Early Spring (February-March):

• Oak trees (after coldest weather passes)
• Live oaks benefit from late winter pruning
• Mahogany trees
• Most shade trees
• Fruit trees (after harvest, before spring growth)

Avoid Heavy Pruning in Winter:

• Tropical tree species sensitive to cold (wait until April-May)
• Palm trees (remove only dead fronds year-round)
• Recently planted trees (allow establishment)

Pruning stimulates new growth, and tender new shoots are highly vulnerable to cold damage. A tree pruned in December might push out fresh growth in January, only to have that growth damaged or killed by a February cold snap. This not only wastes the tree’s energy reserves but can also create entry points for tree diseases and pest infestation.

Strategic winter tree trimming considerations:

• Wait for the coldest weather to pass: In Broward County, this typically means late winter or early March
• Focus on safety pruning only: Remove dead, damaged, or hazardous branches regardless of season
• Avoid heavy canopy reduction: Save major pruning for late spring when trees can recover quickly
• Consider hurricane season timing: Major structural pruning is often better done in spring (April-May) to allow healing before hurricane season

Winter helps you identify structural problems more easily when deciduous trees have shed leaves, but actual pruning work should wait until winter conditions have passed to reduce the risk of stimulating vulnerable growth.

Some pruning situations require professional expertise from certified arborists, especially during winter months:

• Large branches over structures or power lines
• Trees showing signs of disease or pest infestation
• Storm-damaged trees requiring immediate attention
• Structural pruning to improve tree form and safety
• Commercial tree maintenance requiring specialized equipment

Our tree trimming services include strategic pruning timed to South Florida’s climate patterns, ensuring your trees receive necessary tree maintenance without compromising their health or cold tolerance.

Unlike northern climates where freezing temperatures kill or dormant many pests, South Florida’s mild winters allow numerous insects and tree diseases to remain active year-round. Some tree pests actually increase during winter months when trees may be slightly stressed from dry conditions or temperature fluctuations.

Scale Insects:

• Often more visible in winter when tree canopies thin slightly
• Appear as small bumps on branches and leaves
• Cause yellowing leaves and sticky honeydew secretions
• Can lead to serious infestation if left untreated
• Treatment: Horticultural oil applications during cooler weather

Spider Mites:

• Thrive in dry winter conditions
• Create fine webbing on leaf undersides
• Cause stippled, bronzed, or yellowed foliage
• Treatment: Increase humidity through irrigation, apply miticides if severe

Whiteflies:

• Remain active in South Florida winters
• Cluster on leaf undersides, fly when disturbed
• Excrete honeydew leading to sooty mold
• Treatment: Beneficial insects, horticultural soaps, or systemic treatments

Fungal Diseases:

• Anthracnose and other leaf spots increase with winter moisture fluctuations
• Powdery mildew can appear during dry periods with colder nights
• Root rot risks increase with overwatering during cooler weather
• Prevention: Proper irrigation, good air circulation, fungicide applications when needed

Inspect trees regularly during the winter months, looking for signs of pest activity or disease. Professional arborists recommend monthly inspections to catch problems early and reduce the risk of serious damage.

Check your trees for:

• Unusual leaf discoloration or drop
• Sticky residue on leaves or surfaces below trees
• Visible insects on foliage or branches
• Fungal growth on leaves, branches, or trunk
• Holes or tunnels in bark (borers)
• Abnormal canopy thinning

Early detection allows for less invasive treatment options and prevents minor issues from becoming major problems that compromise tree health. Certified arborists can identify pest and disease issues that untrained eyes might miss.

Different tree species have vastly different winter care needs in South Florida. Here’s guidance for the most common trees and shrubs in Broward County landscapes to help keep your trees healthy and thriving.

Royal Palms:

• Sensitive to cold when young; protect if temperatures drop below 35°F
• Maintain consistent moisture during dry season to support tree health
• Remove only completely brown fronds
• Watch for palm weevils and bud rot

Coconut Palms:

• Protect from temperatures below 32°F
• Require regular watering during dry winter months
• Monitor for lethal yellowing disease (more common in stressed palm trees)
• Avoid pruning green fronds

Sabal Palms (Florida Native):

• Extremely cold hardy, no protection needed
• Drought tolerant but benefit from occasional deep watering
• Remove dead fronds as needed year-round
• Excellent choice for low-maintenance South Florida landscapes

Citrus:

• Protect from temperatures below 28°F to maintain tree health
• Reduce watering frequency but increase volume per session
• Avoid fertilization from November through February
• Monitor for citrus greening and treat aphids promptly
• Winter is the ideal time for structural pruning once cold risk passes

Mango:

• Protect from any temperature below 40°F
• Water deeply every 7-10 days during dry season
• Prune after harvest (typically summer) not in winter
• Watch for anthracnose during humid periods

Avocado:

• Young trees need protection below 32°F, mature trees below 28°F
• Sensitive to overwatering; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
• Avoid root disturbance during winter months
• Monitor for root rot in poorly drained soils

Live Oak:

• Extremely hardy, no cold protection needed
• Deep watering every 2-3 weeks during dry season helps keep trees healthy
• Best pruning time: late winter through March
• Watch for oak wilt; avoid pruning during high-risk periods (April-July)
• One of the most reliable trees for South Florida landscapes

Mahogany:

• No cold protection needed in Broward County
• Drought tolerant once established
• Prune in late winter before spring growth flush
• Monitor for tip borer damage
• Excellent for commercial tree plantings

Gumbo Limbo:

• Native Florida tree and extremely hardy
• Minimal watering needed once established
• Can be pruned year-round but best in late winter
• Virtually pest-free
• Helps keep your landscape healthy with minimal maintenance

While heavy fertilization should be avoided during winter months, understanding nutrient needs helps keep your trees looking their best year-round. Trees require different nutrient levels during the cooler months compared to active growing seasons.

Avoid fertilization during winter months (November-February):

• Fertilizer stimulates new growth vulnerable to cold damage
• Trees have reduced nutrient uptake when growth slows
• Excess nutrients can leach through sandy South Florida soils during dry season
• Wait until March or April when trees resume active growth

Focus on soil care instead:

• Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your trees (3-4 inches deep)
• Keep mulch several inches away from trunk to prevent rot
• A layer of mulch around trees helps keep the soil moist and moderates temperature
• Organic mulch breaks down slowly, adding nutrients over time
• Proper mulch application around the base helps tree roots stay protected

Late winter is the ideal time to prepare your trees for the upcoming growing season without stimulating premature growth:

• Test soil pH and nutrient levels
• Plan fertilization schedule for March-April application
• Identify any soil compaction issues around your trees
• Ensure proper drainage to prevent root problems
• Remove weeds and grass from around the base of trees

Good soil care during winter sets the foundation for healthy trees throughout the year. Professional tree care services can perform soil testing and recommend appropriate amendments to ensure your trees have the best chance at optimal health.

Broward County’s geography creates distinct microclimates that affect winter tree care needs. Understanding your specific location helps you provide appropriate seasonal tree care and keep your landscape healthy and thriving.

Characteristics:

• Warmer winter temperatures (typically 3-5°F warmer than inland)
• Higher humidity year-round
• Salt spray exposure affecting trees and shrubs
• Sandy, well-draining soils

Winter care adjustments:

• Less frequent cold protection needed for most tree species
• May require more frequent watering due to sandy soils
• Select salt-tolerant trees for beachfront properties
• Monitor for salt damage after storms or high winds
• Palm trees generally thrive in coastal conditions

Characteristics:

• Slightly colder winter weather
• Greater temperature fluctuations between day and night
• Less wind protection
• Mix of soil types

Winter care adjustments:

• More vigilant cold protection for sensitive tree species
• Monitor soil moisture carefully in areas with clay content
• Provide windbreaks for newly planted tropical trees
• Watch for frost formation on clear, calm nights
• Check your trees more frequently during cold fronts

Characteristics:

• Urban heat island effect moderates temperatures
• Variable soil conditions
• Competition from hardscapes and structures
• Limited root space in some locations

Winter care adjustments:

• Trees may experience less cold stress but more water stress
• Increase watering for trees surrounded by pavement
• Monitor for reflected heat damage from buildings
• Ensure adequate mulch to protect limited root zones
• Commercial tree plantings require extra attention

Characteristics:

• Coolest winter temperatures in the county
• More suburban tree canopy coverage
• Better soil conditions in many areas
• Greater day/night temperature swings

Winter care adjustments:

• Highest cold protection priority for sensitive tree species
• Monitor winter weather forecasts carefully during cold fronts
• Take advantage of better growing conditions for cold-sensitive species during establishment
• Prepare protection materials in advance of forecast freezes
• Trees in this area benefit from proactive winter tree care

Successful tree maintenance in South Florida winters requires understanding what actually helps your trees versus what conventional wisdom suggests. Here are proven care tips from certified arborists with decades of South Florida tree experience.

Inspect trees regularly:
Check your trees monthly for signs of stress, pest activity, or disease. Early detection helps you address problems before they become serious threats to tree health.

Maintain proper watering:
Water your trees deeply but less frequently during the dry season. This encourages deep root growth and helps trees withstand occasional dry spells better than frequent shallow watering.

Apply mulch properly:
A layer of mulch around trees provides multiple benefits—moisture retention, temperature moderation, weed suppression, and slow nutrient release. Apply 3-4 inches deep, keeping mulch away from the trunk.

Protect sensitive species:
Know which tree species in your landscape need cold protection and have materials ready when winter weather threatens. Preparing your trees before cold snaps arrive gives trees the best chance at avoiding damage.

Avoid stimulating growth:
Resist the urge to fertilize or heavily prune during winter months. These activities stimulate new growth that colder weather can damage, setting trees back rather than helping them.

Monitor for pests:
Don’t assume winter means pest-free trees. South Florida tree pests remain active year-round, and stressed trees are more vulnerable to infestation.

Plan spring maintenance:
Use winter as planning time for tree care needs. Schedule tree removal of hazardous trees, plan major pruning projects for late winter, and identify trees that need professional assessment.

Winter tree care in South Florida is really about maintaining consistent care rather than dramatic seasonal changes. Trees that receive proper care year-round handle winter conditions much better than neglected trees suddenly given attention when cold threatens.

Year-round practices that help your trees:

• Consistent watering adjusted for rainfall and season
• Regular monitoring for pests and diseases
• Proper mulching maintained around your trees
• Strategic pruning timed to South Florida’s climate
• Professional inspections from certified arborists
• Prompt attention to storm damage or health concerns

These practices keep trees healthy and resilient, able to handle whatever winter weather South Florida experiences. Healthy trees resist pest infestation better, recover faster from cold damage, and maintain the appearance of your trees throughout the year.

Even experienced South Florida homeowners sometimes apply conventional winter tree care advice that doesn’t suit our climate. Here are the most common mistakes we see that can harm rather than help your trees.

Over-pruning before potential cold weather:
Aggressive pruning in December or January stimulates new growth that’s highly vulnerable to February cold snaps. Unless removing hazardous branches for safety, wait until late winter or March for major tree trimming projects.

Applying fertilizer during winter months:
Fertilization encourages tender new growth that cold weather can damage. In South Florida, fertilize in spring (March-April) and summer (June-July), avoiding November through February entirely.

Overwatering to compensate for dry season:
While trees need supplemental water during winter’s dry months, overwatering causes root rot and other tree diseases. Water deeply but less frequently, allowing soil to dry somewhat between waterings to reduce the risk of fungal problems.

Using plastic for cold protection:
Plastic sheeting traps moisture against foliage and can cause more damage than the cold itself through fungal infections and moisture-related problems. Use breathable frost blankets or bed sheets instead.

Ignoring pest problems because “it’s winter”:
South Florida’s mild climate allows many tree pests to remain active. Continue monitoring and treating pest issues year-round to protect your trees.

Assuming all trees need the same care:
Native Florida trees, established trees, and cold-hardy varieties have very different winter care needs than tropical tree species and young trees. Customize care based on what each tree requires.

Neglecting trees because they’re “dormant”:
Most South Florida trees aren’t truly dormant in winter. They still need water, pest monitoring, and attention even though growth may slow compared to summer months.

At Discount Tree Service, we’ve been caring for South Florida trees through hundreds of winter seasons since 1999. Our certified arborist team understands exactly which practices apply to our subtropical climate and which conventional tree care tips to ignore.

We provide comprehensive seasonal tree care services including:

• Pre-winter health assessments to identify vulnerable trees and potential problems
• Strategic pruning and trimming timed to South Florida’s climate patterns
• Customized irrigation recommendations for dry season tree maintenance
• Pest and disease monitoring and treatment to keep trees healthy
• Emergency tree services for cold damage or winter storm issues
• Species-specific care plans for your unique South Florida landscape
• Commercial tree maintenance for businesses and property managers
• Tree removal of hazardous or declining trees

Our team serves homeowners and businesses throughout Broward County, from coastal communities to inland neighborhoods, with expertise in the microclimate variations that affect your trees’ winter care needs. We understand caring for trees in South Florida’s unique environment and provide tree care services that actually help your trees thrive.

Get Expert Help to Keep Your Trees Healthy This Winter

Wondering whether your trees need special winter care? Have questions about protecting sensitive tree species or managing dry season watering? Our experienced certified arborists are here to help ensure your trees stay healthy through winter and beyond.

Contact Discount Tree Service at (954) 289-2150. We’ll inspect trees in your landscape, explain what winter tree care they actually need in South Florida’s climate, and provide customized recommendations to keep your landscape healthy and thriving through the dry season and beyond.

Don’t let generic winter tree care tips lead you astray. Work with local tree service professionals who understand Broward County’s unique winter conditions and have decades of experience keeping South Florida trees looking their best year-round.

Discount Tree Service has been providing expert tree care to Broward County homeowners since 1999. Our family-owned business combines certified arborist expertise with deep local knowledge to deliver tree care solutions perfectly suited to South Florida’s subtropical climate.