In This Issue
As temperatures drop, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources encourages homeowners to take simple steps to keep their yard trees healthy through fall and winter.
“Trees face extra stress as the seasons change, from hungry wildlife to harsh winter winds, especially in an urban environment,” said Mark Kruse, DNR urban and community forestry project specialist. “A little care now can go a long way toward protecting your trees and ensuring they thrive next spring.”
Fall care
Water trees until the ground freezes, especially newly planted or young trees. A typical yard tree that was recently planted needs around 15 to 20 gallons once a week if it doesn’t rain more than 1 inch. Maintaining soil moisture helps keep trees healthy.
Mulch helps insulate tree roots, especially on extremely cold days with no snow. Apply a layer of mulch three inches deep around the base of the tree, keeping it three inches away from the trunk and three feet wide.
Winter care
Winter may be a time of rest for trees, but it’s a great time to give them some attention. Protect young trees from wildlife and prepare them for healthy growth come spring by:
- Clearing tall grass, brush, or other materials that could shelter small animals near the tree bases you want to protect.
- Placing wire fencing two to three inches below ground and extending at least two feet above the expected snow depth. Check regularly to make sure wildlife isn’t trapped inside.
- Wrapping trees or adding guards to help protect bark from cracking caused by daytime sun and overnight freezing. Remove guards in late spring.
In areas with frequent deer activity, consider fencing large areas with 10-foot woven wire fence, or bud capping white pine seedlings, one of deer’s favorite food sources, by stapling a folded 4-by-6-inch piece of paper around the top bud to prevent browse in larger woodlands.
Consider hiring a professional arborist for larger pruning or removal work. Many arborists work year-round, and winter conditions are often better for both trees and yards. Frozen ground supports heavy equipment, reducing damage to lawns and landscaping, and cold weather helps limit the spread of insects and tree diseases such as oak wilt. Pruning oaks in the winter helps limit the risk of infection. For more information and tips on caring for trees year-round, visit the DNR website (mndnr.gov/treecare).
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has up to $1,060,000 available to local entities such as lake associations, watershed districts, cities, and counties, as well as Tribal governments, for the management of curly-leaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, flowering rush and/or starry stonewort.
Funding comes from Minnesota’s invasive species account, which is largely funded by the invasive species surcharge on watercraft registrations and on nonresident fishing licenses.
The application deadline is 4:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8. Unofficial award notices will be issued in January 2026, and funded awards will begin as soon as March 2026.
Application materials and details about the grant program are available on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/grants/aquatic_invasive/control-projects.html).
Invasive aquatic plants are non-native plants that can potentially reduce native plant diversity and create recreational nuisances in lakes. The DNR’s invasive plant management goal is to minimize harmful effects caused by invasive aquatic plants while also protecting lake habitats and their use.
Questions can be directed to DNR Aquatic Invasive Species Research and Grants Coordinator Angelique Dahlberg, [email protected] or to DNR regional invasive species specialists (mndnr.gov/Invasives/AIS/Contacts.html).
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites people interested in Lake Winnibigoshish to share their thoughts on prioritizing future management of the lake, as an initial step in updating the lake’s management plan.
The Lake Winnibigoshish management plan (including Cut Foot, Little Cut Foot and Sugar lakes) is set to be updated over the next two years. The updated master plan will consider current public values and attitudes about the lake and will be used to guide management of Lake Winnibigoshish fish populations and habitats. It will include management goals, objectives and strategies for the lake for the next 10 years. The U.S. Army Core of Engineers operates the lake’s master control system and maintains a separate master manual, which is not within the scope of the DNR’s planning efforts.
Public input opportunities
An online questionnaire is available on the Engage with DNR website (engage.dnr.state.mn.us/fisheries-public-input-wildlife-public-input) through Friday, Dec. 12. The purpose of the online scoping questionnaire is to help generate ideas and identify potential planning issues and opportunities specific to Lake Winnibigoshish as the DNR begins the planning process.
Written comments may also be submitted by emailing [email protected] or mailing comments to 1201 East Highway 2 Grand Rapids, MN 55744. Additional public input opportunities will be available as the draft plan is developed.
About the lake
Winnibigoshish is Minnesota’s seventh largest lake, located 15 miles northwest of Deer River. It is a 56,544-acre lake with average depth of 15 feet and a maximum depth of 70 feet, comprising a shallow, wind-swept reservoir with a sandy shoreline and gently sloping shoal areas.
Nicknamed Big Winnie or Winnie, it sits in the heart of the 1.6-million-acre Chippewa National Forest. It’s a popular destination for anglers targeting walleye, yellow perch and northern pike. And the area offers other recreational opportunities like lakeside resorts and lodges, scenic north woods RV and rustic camping, boating, hiking, biking, touring and wildlife watching.
More information about Lake Winnibigoshish is available on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/bigwinnie).
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