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A tree’s metabolism and other internal processes slow down to conserve energy, and it is a way to protect against harshness. Trees in the winter begin making changes and go dormant because they’ve sensed a shift in daylight levels.
Sometimes, you can feel disappointed for winter, but have you ever wondered what cold weather means for trees? Trees develop impressive defenses to outlast the coldest months of the year.
One of the best protections is their bark. The rough exterior of the trunks and branches defends it from diseases, pests, and fire, and in the winter, provides insulation protecting the plant’s interior while dispersing heat.
We know about this fantastic creation’s miracle and all that it involves. Our turn comes to talk more about the perfect system and complex structure that is impressively organized to keep the water flowing by producing a unique protein that allows water to freeze safely between cells.
When the extra water filters out these mysterious cells, it become thick and sugary, making the sap. On top of that, when you boil it, this fluid turns into sweety, healthy, and energetic maple syrup from sugar maples and some other tree species!
When winter ends, trees reverse these internal operations and return to growing regularly. To learn more about this process, click on our blog post How Long Does It Take for a Tree to Grow.
Some trees and shrubs, like evergreens, are more vulnerable to damage from dryness in winter. It can result in winterburn, which causes brown needles and could kill your lovely tree if it’s severe enough.
The cold, dry winds that lash across our properties can also be an issue for trees and shrubs. Below are some common causes of winter tree damage.
When your tree gets below freezing, it experiences stress. Frost damage occurs when below-freezing stays for several days, or the temperatures fluctuate between freezing and warmer.
Not all plants are equally vulnerable to frost. The Tropical origin plants have a genetic makeup for warm climates only, and their protection is limited.
Established plants tolerate lower temperatures better than young and more tender trees.
Something important is that not all frosts are equal and do the same damage to plants. The more prolonged the coldest time lasts, the higher the risk for trees.
The weight of snow or ice on branches causes potential damage, so you must monitor your conifers, shrubs, and evergreens to avoid harm to them.
The weight of ice when it covers branches can cause breakage. Ice can be a gigantic problem when it comes to accumulated weight. The average 60-foot-tall shade tree covered with just 1/4 inch of ice can mean an extra 100,000 to 150,000 pounds of total weight.
Did you ever hear the sound of three branches cracking and breaking under the weight of ice?
Accumulations of ice can increase the branch weight of trees by 30 times or more.
Unfortunately, the excessive weight of ice buildup can bend and break tree branches. In severe conditions, the strain can split trunks and uproot entire trees.
Trees also experience in their way what your skin and lips suffer during winter when they get chapped.
Winter drying is a prevalent condition that affects all conifer species. Typically, damage occurs to needles above the snow line.
The browning of the foliage becomes evident in late winter. The portion of the crown below the snow line is protected and undamaged.
Here are some tips to protect your trees and shrubs during the inclement winter:
There are three magical words to take in action: wait, see, and water.
Wait, because not all frost damage is evident immediately.
See the progress or change the plan if your tree is still on hold.
Watering is the only thing that can help your plants recover, but make sure not to overwater.
If you have questions about caring for your trees during winter, contact our tree care experts! They are available to provide recommendations.
We go beyond winter tree care services; we also offer tree services such as tree planting to beautify your property, trusted tree pruning and trimming, emergency tree removal, and stump grinding.
For more information, visit our Tree and Snow Removal Service LLC website. Schedule an appointment now! You can rest assured with us.
