How to Take Care of Your Trees in the Winter
Introduction
As winter sets in, your tree care routine needs to adapt to the colder temperatures. Maintaining healthy trees during winter requires understanding how cold weather affects them and knowing the best preventive measures to ensure they remain strong and healthy throughout the season.
Below, we'll cover the key aspects of winter tree care so you can keep your landscape looking beautiful and minimize the risk of damage.
The Impact of Cold Weather on Your Trees
How Cold Temperatures Stress Trees
Cold weather can be challenging for trees, especially when there are rapid temperature fluctuations. A sudden drop from daytime warmth to freezing nighttime temperatures can cause stress between a tree's inner wood and outer bark, leading to a phenomenon known as "frost cracking" or "southwest injury." These cracks may form because the temperature changes cause the inner wood to expand at a different rate than the outer bark, resulting in visible splits in the trunk.
Winter Serenity: Bare Trees Against a Snowy Sunset
Preventing and Managing Frost Cracking
While frost cracking is often unavoidable, trees are resilient and can usually heal themselves over time. However, the cracks may remain visible throughout the winter. To prevent frost cracking:
- Wrap the tree's bark with a breathable material like burlap or tree wrap in late fall. This can help regulate temperature fluctuations and reduce stress.
- Avoid exposing the trunk to direct sunlight in winter, as this can exacerbate temperature changes.
Protecting Trees from Early Frosts
Late-season growth on trees can be vulnerable to early frosts, leading to frost damage. Ice crystals can form on new growth, rupturing cell walls and causing dieback the following season.
Tips to Avoid Frost Damage
- Delay pruning until late fall, after the tree has gone into full dormancy. Early pruning can encourage new growth, increasing susceptibility to frost damage.
- For trees prone to frost injury, consider using frost covers or plant blankets during early cold snaps.
Managing Brittle or Breaking Branches
Preventing Branch Breakage
Winter brings heavy snow and ice that can weigh down branches, leading to breakage. Deciduous trees, in particular, become brittle and more vulnerable to wind damage in cold conditions.
A Frosted Winter Scene: Icicles Adorn a Bare Tree Branch
How to Protect Branches
- Prune weak or dying branches in late fall before winter hits. Removing these will reduce the risk of them breaking under the weight of snow and ice.
- For smaller trees or shrubs, consider constructing a tentlike structure to shield them from heavy snowfall. You can also tie branches together to add support and minimize breakage.
Dealing With Winter Drought
What Causes Winter Drought?
Winter drought is a common problem for evergreens, which continue to lose moisture even in the cold. Trees may lose more water that they can absorb from the frozen ground, especially in windy conditions, leading to dehydration and stress.
Winter Charm: A Snow-Covered Suburban Landscape
Strategies to Combat Winter Drought
- Apply a thick layer of mulch around the bases of your trees in late fall. This helps retain moisture, prevents runoff, and keeps roots warmer.
- Water evergreens deeply in late fall before the ground freezes to ensure that they have enough moisture stored for the winter.
Winter Pests and How to Keep Them Away
Common Winter Pests
Winter Wildlife: A Rabbit Seeks Shelter by a Tree
During winter, some rodents—like rabbits and mice—seek food by gnawing on tree bark. This behavior can cause significant damage, particularly to young trees, as pests can girdle the bark and harm the tree's vascular system.
Effective Pest Deterrents
- Mouse Protection: Keep a clear space between the mulch and the trunk, as this discourages mice from nesting. Regularly inspect this area for any signs of activity. Use bait traps if necessary.
- Rabbit Deterrence: Install wire mesh or hardware cloth around the bases of vulnerable trees. You can also apply repellent paint on the lower bark to deter chewing.
Our Final Thoughts on Winter Tree Care
Winter tree care doesn’t have to be complicated. By preparing your trees in the fall and following simple maintenance tips throughout the winter, you can protect them from cold weather damage, moisture loss, and pests. With a little attention and the right care techniques, your trees will emerge from winter healthy and ready for a vibrant spring.
If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area and need assistance with winter tree care, don’t hesitate to contact us at Arborist Now. Our experts are here to help you keep your trees thriving all year round!
Originally posted on November 15, 2018
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