Winter can be a bone-chilling time of year, with beautiful snow drifting along the Tri-Cities area’s sidewalks and mountainsides. Unfortunately, winter’s icy breath reigns down on plants and animals, and your trees are no exception to its impact. Your trees are affected by freezing temperatures, icy conditions, dry air, and breakage. So, our Tri-Cities area ISA-certified arborists at Promier Tree share on the blog today tips on dealing with winter damage so that you can protect your tree’s health and lengthen its lifespan.
Desiccation
Desiccation primarily affects broadleaf evergreens and is a condition where the tree is dehydrated and may result in significant harm. Winter winds and frozen soil evaporate water from the tree quicker than it can restore. Plants vulnerable to the harsh winter winds can receive protection from burlap windscreens or an anti-desiccant treatment in late autumn.
Freezing
Temperatures below zero may produce a phenomenon known as “frost heaving,” in which recently planted trees and shrubs, as well as certain plants with shallow root systems, lift up and out of the ground, exposing the root systems. Simply transplanting the seeds when the ground thaws will be sufficient to fix this issue. However, when you prune the tree in the late summer, the leaf tissue may be more susceptible to damage from freezing temperatures. Pruning boosts new growth production, which may not be able to “harden off” to the point where it can withstand an abrupt decrease in temperature. The contained water inside the leaf tissue will freeze, which will cause the cell walls to burst. In severe circumstances, this may also cause the bark to break.
Rodent Damage
During the harsh winter months, mice and voles will often chew on the bark of older trees and shrubs. In certain instances, they may even graze on the bark of young trees. Unfortunately, the pest’s appetite has a girdling effect, resulting in branch death. Girdling is a typical issue with junipers, mainly when planted close to one another. Fortunately, our ISA-certified arborists in Johnson City explain that the rodent number can dwindle with bait box use. However, to make the habitat seem less enticing, you should clear the area below any thick plants of leaves and other debris.
Road Salts
Salt sprayed onto trees near roadways may be harmful and make the soil unsuitable for plants. Therefore, it’s crucial to plant salt-resistant plants in landscaping beds near roads treated with salt during the winter. Most of the time, heavy spring rainfall will help rinse the salt from the soil, although the damage may already be done by the time spring arrives.
Physical Damage
The most common reasons for winter breakage include heavy or wet snowfalls, reckless snow removal, and snow that falls from rooftops. In some circumstances, you can use a broom or pool equipment to remove heavy snow to reduce the load before the branch breaks. Of course, when anything breaks, the easiest way to fix it is to make a few clean pruning cuts, which will help the wounds heal faster. However, in severe cases where the tree is unrecoverable, our Bristol ISA-certified arborists can assist you with tree removal services that protect you and your property.
Tree Care Services in Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol, Tennessee
Multiple winter factors can impact your tree’s health and livelihood. Therefore, you must monitor your trees throughout the harsh winter to ensure they will bounce back during the spring growing season. If you notice winter damage to your property’s trees, contact our Kingsport ISA-certified arborists at Promier Tree for a health evaluation and possible treatment options. To find out more or schedule a consultation, please call our office at (423) 765-2626 or contact us online today.