Winter Stresses on Trees
& Shrubs
Source: Tree Care Industry Association
Winter’s heavy snow and ice, as well
as frozen soil conditions, can damage cherished trees
and shrubs in suburban landscapes.
Even areas without major snowfall experience high winds
and huge fluctuations in temperatures during winter.
But homeowners can lessen the adverse effects of winter
weather with preventive maintenance.
What can happen in winter, and
how you can avoid it?
Branches of trees can break due to the excessive weight
of ice or snow. Proper pruning encourages the formation
of the strongest possible branches and branch attachments.
When pruning alone isn’t enough, properly installed
cables and rigid braces can add support to a weakened
part of the tree.
Winter winds cause evergreens to lose
moisture from their needles. Even some deciduous trees
suffer from winter drying. If water is not available
as moisture is drawn from living cells, permanent damage
will result. The best prevention consists of planting
only hardy species in areas of prolonged exposure, watering
plants adequately in the fall, and mulching to insulate
the soil and roots from severe cold.
On sunny days in winter, the tree’s trunk
and main limbs can warm to 15 degrees higher than the
air temperature. As soon as the sun’s rays stop reaching
the stem, its temperature plummets, causing injury or
permanent damage to the bark. The two main types of
injury are known as sun scald and frost cracking. The
effects of sun scald and frost cracking can be reduced
by sound arboricultural practices to maintain overall
health, and also by covering the trunks of young, susceptible
trees with a suitable tree wrap.
Winter is a good time to prune
Most skilled arborists prefer pruning when trees are
dormant. With no leaves on the tree, the arborist is
better able to evaluate its architecture and spot dead
or diseased branches. In addition, since the ground
is frozen damage to the turf underneath the tree due
to falling limbs and tire tracks is negligible. This
is also a good time to check trees for diseases and
other damage.
Here are some other ways to improve the
health of your living landscape:
- Aeration around trees helps improve water and
air movement in the soil. This strengthens the tree’s
root system and
reduces soil compaction.
- When planting, choose hardy trees available in
your area as they have better chances for survival
in severe weather conditions. Choosing the best
location and following proper planting procedures
should be your highest priorities.
- Stop fertilizing trees in early fall to allow
them to prepare for winter.
- In case of moderate storm damage, restoring the
tree to its former health and beauty may take some
time, but it generally
can make a full recovery. Broken, hazardous limbs
should be removed immediately. Pruning to remove
broken stubs and
restore the balance of the crown can be put off
a little while, but shouldn’t be delayed more than
one growing season.
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