Winter is Coming! The Winter Solstice

The winter solstice is almost here, which means it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! It’s time to wrap up in cozy blankets with mugs of hot chocolate by the fireplace, and of course, decorate the Christmas tree. 

​But what is the winter solstice, and what does that mean for you?

​What is the Winter Solstice? 

​There are two solstices every year – one in summer, and one in winter. The word “solstice” comes from the Latin word solstitium, and means “sun stands still.” A solstice occurs when the Earth’s axis, or tilt, is aligned with the sun. In the summer, that alignment means we have the longest day, or the most hours of sunlight. But in the winter, it means we have the longest night, or the most hours of darkness.

​In colder climates, the winter solstice is used to mark the middle of the cold season, and celebrated as midwinter. But in warmer climates, like here in Georgia, the solstice is more often considered the first day of winter. 

​Two First Days of Winter

​This year, the winter solstice is on December 21st. But you probably noticed on your calendars that December 1st was marked as the first day of winter. So what gives? 

December 1st is considered the first day of winter in the meteorological world. People who study the climate and the weather divide the 12 months of the year into 4 equal sections so it’s easier to compare climate date over the years. The “winter” section of the meteorological calendar is December 1st to February 1st. 

​But traditionally in cultures throughout the world and throughout time, the longest night of the year has been used to mark the changing of the seasons, be it the start or the middle.

​Winter is Here. What Now?

​No matter which “first” day of winter you choose, winter weather is undeniably upon us, which means there are a few arboreal best practices it’s time to revisit:

Look At Your Trees

We know you’re spending less time outside in the cold, and more time inside where it’s warm, but it’s important to take a moment to look at the trees around your house this winter. Certain signs of decline can be more visible in the winter, when the leaves have dropped and bare branches are easier to see. 

Get An Assessment

Even if you don’t see anything concerning, it’s still a good idea to have the trees around your home assessed by a Certified Arborist. What looks like a healthy pine tree to you might be a fall risk with all the wind and rain we can expect this season!

Save Some Money!

​The colder seasons are often the slow seasons for tree care, which means it’s actually a great time to get your tree care needs scheduled! The slow seasons of course means less wait time between getting a quote and actually getting your work done, but it can also mean better prices as companies try to fill their calendars.  

If you’re in the Athens, Georgia area, give Classic City Arborists a call to schedule an assessment and get a free quote!

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Author

Emily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has worked with Classic City Arborists for the last 5 years. In addition to handling administrative tasks and customer communication (she’s the voice you’ll hear on the phone!), Emily is an experienced copywriter, editor, and storyboard consultant. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.