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. While winter gives your trees some rest time from the drought-like conditions and heat that trees have to tolerate in the summer. It is also a time of stress on trees that are now exposed to heavy snow, ice on the leaves and branches, and highly cold temps. With these kinds of conditions, there are a few things that you can do to have healthy trees in the winter season. Remove dead foliage and overgrowth on your trees to stop these areas from getting too heavy from the ice and snow. By having your trees pruned by a professional tree specialist, your trees are lean and can withstand the harsh, cold weather. Winter is for Pruning Winter (late fall works too) is the best time to prune your trees. They are better to adjust to the stress that comes from pruning when the weather is less demanding than in the summer. It is particularly important to remove limbs that expand over your driveway, sidewalk, or house. Put some mulch around the bottom of your trees before the snow falls. This delivers much-needed insulation while also safeguarding the base of the tree. Also, it helps retain moisture by lessening the amount that evaporates from the root area of the tree. Hydrating your trees before winter is imperative, particularly in dry areas where the last good rainfall might have been months ago. Even though trees are in the dormant stage of growth in the wintertime, they still must be very hydrated before winter hits. Having a tree contractor fertilize your trees before winter gives them with the nutrients they require to make it through the cold winter months. These things should help make sure you have the resources needed to not only endure the winter but also to flourish when spring arrives. Watering While it may appear counterproductive, watering your trees one to two days before a deep freeze hit is one of the best ways to shield the root system. With cold weather comes higher winds and these winds can make the tree dry out faster than you think. Also, having enough moisture can help sustain a higher temperature in the soil surrounding the roots when the temps go very low. If you have ever looked at a tree and wonder how snow can damage trees, here’s the truth: excess snow can destroy trees by splitting and breaking them, causing them to uproot or fall. Most arborists will tell you that snow is both a friend and foe of trees. Snow creates plenty of damage. However, in many instances, it also safeguards plants and their roots from high fluctuations in temperature that could destroy or kill them. If trees will be harmed in one of these ways is contingent on numerous factors. For example, coniferous evergreens can handle more snow weight than broadleaf evergreens. The glitter of snow brings a unique beauty to the chilly winter temps of York. The same snow that brings elegance to winter can also be possibly lethal to your trees by putting more strain on their branches. What to Do About the Snow on Your Trees Because of this added strain, it is smart to remove the heavy snow that collects on your trees before it freezes and deforms or breaks the limbs. To do so, gently raise the branches upward with a sturdy pole or broom, shaking the snow off. If the snow has already frozen on the branches, you should wait until the temperature goes above freezing. If you attempt to remove frozen snow from your trees can do more harm than good. Trees with horizontal branching are less susceptible to snow damage. Most conifers, like pine, spruce, juniper, and yew, have flexible limbs and are tailored to shedding snow before it gets so heavy that it snaps branches. However, multi-stem trees and those with slim upright branching can get genuinely hurt when weighty accumulations pull limbs apart. Sometimes, tying the stems of such trees together can diminish winter damage. But prevention is a more suitable approach. Accurately prune and maintain your trees so that they grow strong limbs that withstand winter injury. Once the snow has melted, inspect the damage. If over half of a tree’s branches are destroyed, the tree is very unlikely to recover and should be cut down. The more big limbs are broken, the less likely the tree is to recover. Contact Syracuse Tree Care to discuss pruning or removal of damaged trees on your property. Recently cut wood holds lots of water, which makes igniting and maintaining a fire quite tricky. Even if it burns, wet wood offers less heat, dies swiftly, and produces more soot and smoke. Drying wood successfully does take time. So, it’s best to schedule the process at least six months ahead. Once you chop the wood to the size needed and stack it meticulously, all you have to do is wait for the air and sun to dry it. Below is the preferred way to dry firewood.
If you need more information or help on drying your firewood, reach out to a professional tree service company. Trees can be a remarkable thing for many outdoor areas and yards. While trees can enhance the appearance of a residence, it can be hard to keep them in a stable condition. In many instances, deer will eat the bark off some tree types for nourishment.
While this isn’t an issue in the wilderness, it can be a problem if it happens on your property. The following article offers useful tips and tricks on how to stop deer from eating tree bark in your yard. Deer Protection Tips To keep deer out of your yard, it’s a solid idea to use a deer repellent spray. A deer repellent spray is typically made from urine taken from a predator like a cougar, bobcat, or coyote. Though, deer could also be repelled with dog urine. If you have a dog, it’s a good idea to let it urinate and defecate around your yard. In many instances, the scent from a dog’s waste can be an efficient way to repel deer. A fence can also be a helpful way to keep deer out of your yard. However, it’s critical to know that deer are quite agile. In some cases, deer will be capable of jumping over a fence that is under eight feet tall. Keep the Deer Out If you want to keep deer out of your lawn, it may be necessary to construct a fence that is 12 feet or more. If this isn’t feasible, you could put in a smaller fence with an electric wire on top. This may be an efficient way to keep deer from hopping over your fence. It’s also a good idea to use a noise alert system in your garden or yard. A noise alert system has a particular motion detector with a buzzer. If the motion detector identifies any activity in one’s yard, a buzzer will mechanically activate. In some instances, this will frighten off any deer that are trying to get into your yard. Deer can be a pain for you and your property. While deer can be a problem, it’s possible to keep them out of your yard by following these tips. If you need more help with prevention measures, or want to know if the damage to your tree is repairable - reach out to a tree specialist. During the summer, with the long hours of sun and the right amount of liquid water, trees are busy growing while storing and making food. But what about the winter season? The days are way shorter, and water is difficult to get. Deciduous trees prepare for winter in several different ways. As trees grow, they discard older leaves and produce new ones. This is crucial since the leaves get destroyed over time by weather, disease, and insects. The shedding and replacement go on all the time. Additionally, deciduous trees, such as elms, maples, and oaks shed all their leaves in the autumn to prepare for winter. Evergreens retain most of their leaves in the winter. They have distinctive leaves, resistant to moisture loss and cold. If you need some help with your tree maintenance, contact a York tree specialist. Some, including fir and pine trees, have thin, long needles. Some, such as holly, have wide leaves with waxy, tough surfaces. On dry, cold days, these leaves might curl up to lessen their uncovered surface. Evergreens may keep on photosynthesizing in the winter as long as they get the right amount of water. However, the reactions happen more slowly in colder temps. In the Summer During the summer, leaves produce more glucose than the trees need for growth and energy. The excess is converted into starch and stowed until needed. As the daytime grows shorter in the fall, trees begin to close their food production. Many changes happen with a deciduous tree’s leaves before they fall from the branch. The leaves have mostly been preparing for fall since it begins to grow in the springtime. At the bottom of every leaf is a unique layer of cells referred to as the separation layer or the "abscission.” All summer long, tiny tubes which go through this layer transport water into the leaf and food back to the tree. In the autumn, the cells of the abscission layer start to swell and create a cork-like material, diminishing and ultimately shutting off flow between the tree and the leaves. Waste products and glucose are stuck in the leaf. Without fresh water to rejuvenate it, chlorophyll starts to disappear. It’s not unusual for folks to believe that tree removal can’t be done during the wintertime. Or, that a company that provides tree service in York isn’t open when it’s snowy and cold. The fact of the matter is that winter tree removal is the perfect time to get rid of a tree. More critical, tree trimming and removal is best left for winter. This is particularly true when it comes to fruit trees. When it is winter, trees become dormant. The leaves drop off, and trees are in a state of rest until spring comes with warmer temps. Why is this the best time for tree removal? Read on and find out! During the wintertime, when all the leaves have fallen, a York arborist can view the structure of them. It’s also simpler to decide what limbs are hazardous or dead. This makes it easy for someone to see if your trees require trimming, letting them look their best. Presence in the Spring If your trees have been pruned or cut down during the winter, they can swiftly recover in the spring with new growth. Deciding to have this done in the winter is a great idea. You don’t have to waste time looking at a tree that has been trimmed before it grows and flourishes in the springtime. Disease Spreading In the winter months, many parasites, bacteria, insects, and fungi that create and spread disease are dormant or dead. That means that issues that can come up the rest of the year are less expected. Bad things such as cedar hawthorn, oak wilt, Dutch elm disease, and fire blight are not likely to spread. Winter Damage Prevention Any trees in your outdoor space that are damaged, dead, or dying can be hazardous in the winter. This is particularly the case when there are vast amounts of ice or snow. By having them removed or pruned, they will be safe. Also, weaker trees are healthier after removing dead or diseased wood. Trees Ready for Springtime A tree care service company provides everything you need in the wintertime. You can get ice/snow removal, emergency tree service, and tree removal. Our arborists can discuss with you what services your trees need to be healthy and ready for warmer weather. Having a new tree is the ideal way to bring value and beauty to your property. But many new tree owners have a habit of making common mistakes with their trees. Oxygen Putting on more mulch without getting rid of the old mulch or installing a new tree on top of an old tree’s root ball can cause a deficiency of oxygen to the roots which will deteriorate a tree’s health. Chemicals Harsh chemicals such as broadleaf weed killers, some fertilizers, and herbicides will destroy or kill trees. They must be used with great caution. Mechanical Injury Numerous trees, particularly young ones, are injured by the negligent use of weed trimmers and lawn mowers. Be sure to use caution when using lawn-care equipment around your trees. If you aren’t skilled with your lawn-care machinery, hire a York tree contractor. Not Enough Pruning The biggest tree-care mistake is not pruning enough. Pruning is good for just about all trees. It promotes new growth and allows air to circulate through the limbs. Also, pruning gives shape to a tree, as well as eliminating hazardous limbs. Too Much Pruning Another big mistake is over pruning. When topping is performed, the results can be unfortunate. If pruning is too harsh, it can cause trees to become weak and limbs to die. An unhealthy tree is an easy target for diseases and pests. Hazardous Tree What is a hazardous tree? It’s one that can harm individuals and damage property. Usually, it’s the one that looks like it’s dead or dying. It might also be a tree that’s hanging over your house. If you have a hazardous tree, it could fall at a moment’s notice. A strong gust of wind, storm, or saturated ground can impact a tree toppling. Our Arborists can discuss with you your options in getting this tree removed safely. Too Much or Too Little Water When there is a drought, trees hurt. They may survive, but without the right amount of water, they will become stressed. Not like a dry lawn, trees don’t come back to life once they die. Tree Care in York, PA Treat your trees with tenderness and care, and they will return the favor, giving you years of grace. For assistance contact a tree company. Healthy roots are critical for success. Know the importance of healthy tree roots before and after planting and how to keep things in perfect balance. Standing under a big oak tree, the usual reaction is to look up and regard the leaves and limbs as nature’s work of art. Though, another work of art occurs within trees: healthy tree roots. A tree’s root system is just as involved as the limbs and in the same way as necessary. When it comes to trees, we can learn plenty by gazing down instead of up. The Roots Both bare-root and potted trees depend on healthy roots to flourish well. Roots play a crucial role in nutrient intake, the same way leaves photosynthesize, a procedure of transforming light energy into food. The roots aid in bringing soil nutrients up via the vascular system of the tree and even work to stow nutrients during dormant periods. Leafy, lush tops are not perfect for new transplants since this increase needs support and substance that the roots aren’t yet developed enough to deliver. Having a bulk of healthy, strong roots will trigger more top growth once the root system expands into its new environment. Also, this is why we typically prune bare-root trees. This is to craft a needed balance that begins with a solid foundation. Root-Related Issues Knowing the significance of healthy roots is as valuable as spotting the signs of unhealthy roots. Roots transport water and nutrients. If there is a problem with the soil, there will be an alteration in the tree’s top growth. One common sign is when the leaves turn yellow. If yellow isn’t the normal color of the tree’s leaves, then it may be brought on by root issues such as over-watering, a low amount of soil nutrients, or incorrect pH. Even though roots are situated underground, they still need air to be free of mold and fungus to stay healthy. If the soil doesn’t drain correctly, it will hold water, and the roots will get a disease or suffocate. Regardless if you’re planting a new tree or maintaining an old favorite, remember the magnitude of roots. If the roots are healthy and rightly cared for, they will take care of your trees. If you need to get your roots examined, get in touch with a York arborist. Having fruit trees is one of the most common gardening pastimes. It lets you select your favorite kind of fruit from the diverse assortment available and gives you complete control over how your fruit is cultivated. The question, if you’re interested in growing a fruit tree is, are fruit trees hard to care for? While specific guidelines differ depending on the particular kind of fruit tree you have, several general tips or strategies can aid you in productively caring for any fruit tree you've planted. Fruit trees need the sun to flourish. Also, most have well-drained soil. Apples, plums, and pears are more accepting of less-than-perfect conditions. If poor drainage is a serious issue, plant your fruit trees in a raised bed. Plant bare-root trees soon after buying it. If you need help, ask a tree specialist. Though fruit trees often thrive with little care, watching out for their needs will give you a flavorful and colossal crop. Fertilizer Commercial growers fertilize continually, and several home growers discover that their fruit tree needs little feeding. You should create a fertilizing schedule based on your tree’s growth. If it’s growing good, its nutrient needs are being satisfied. If its performance is terrible, use fertilizer in the spring. Continuous poor growth after using fertilizer could mean your soil is deficient in nutrients. Get a tree care professional to test the soil and follow any suggestions. Diseases and Pests Many diseases and pests can harm fruit trees. Using a dormant oil spray in the wintertime stops many pest issues. Watering Water your fruit tree when the top two inches of the soil is dry. As the tree develops its roots, you can water less often. Keep in mind that to get a juicy crop, any fruit tree must get a deep soaking either by you or the rain. Drip systems help keep your fruit tree watered too. Mulch assists in retaining moisture. For more information on controlling and identifying diseases and pest, consult a local arborist or make an appointment to have a consultation with a tree contractor. You want your fruit tree to produce a good-tasting crop that lasts for years to come. It can be accomplished with a little care and attention. |