How A Harsh Winter Can Damage Your Trees

Winter Damage to Trees

Winter weather can bring wind, snow, and ice at any time to York. When winter strikes, we often sit at home in front of our televisions with the trepidation of what a winter storm will bring and how it will affect the city.

In addition to road closures, school closings, and grocery shortages, harsh winter damages trees. Though trees are dormant in the winter, they are still very vulnerable to weather damage. Trees are very susceptible to injury in the cold months. However, the effects are usually not noticed until spring.

Causes of Winter Damage to Trees

The dry air, ice, frost, and low temps of the winter months can profoundly affect some trees. Trees that are exposed to the strains of harsh winter weather may be weakened or damaged. Some will struggle to survive. Common winter weather occurrences, such as fast temperature drops, low soil moisture, and fluctuating temps, are known to cause winter tree damage.

Fluctuating/Low Temperatures

When the temps drop below a tree’s natural tolerance, trees can suffer damage.  Trees that are at the end of their hardiness zone might not be able to endure the cold. Fluctuating temps can also create issues, like frost cracks, which come from a fast drop in temperature.  Frost cracks are vertical breaks that develop in the bark of a tree. They happen more frequently on the sun-facing side of the tree because of the more significant difference between nighttime and daytime temps.

Sunscald is an injury which makes a part in the damaged bark that comes from that area being warmed by the sun. Usually, sunscald and frost cracks only bring superficial damage.  In these instances, the tree will recover, though the injury could be permanent. If you are unsure about specific damage, a York arborist is on call to help you assess the health of your trees.

Ice Build-Up

In the winter months, trees are brittle and dormant. If a winter storm delivers ice, it could bring harm to your trees. When this occurs, don’t attempt to remove the snow and ice from your trees. Doing so may create more damage to the tree. Pruning in the winter or fall aids in reducing the chance of injury because of a storm.

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