Winter is often a challenging season for trees here in the Lake Norman area – fluctuating temperatures, occasional snow or ice, and changing soil moisture can all contribute to stress. Understanding the signs of winter tree stress can help you act before spring growth begins. With proper winter tree care, you can increase the odds of having healthy, happy trees when the weather begins to thaw.
There are three main things we encourage clients to watch out for: cracked or peeling bark, drooping branches, and soil compaction around the roots.
- Peeling or Cracked Tree Bark – Rapid temperature changes can cause bark to expand during the day and contract at night, which creates splits called frost cracks. For younger or more vulnerable trees, winter tree care, such as wrapping the trunks or mulching the base, can help shield the bark from temperature changes and other issues like sunscald.
- Drooping Branches – While we may not get huge amounts of snow in our area, even occasional snow or ice buildup can put major stress on a tree’s branches. Scheduling dormant season trimming can help improve the shape of the branches, which may contribute to a lower risk of damage during the winter months.
- Soil Compaction – Frozen, compacted soil limits a tree’s ability to absorb water and key nutrients, even if there is plenty of moisture present. This condition can be tough to spot during the peak winter months, but it will become more evident as temperatures rise nearer spring. Delayed bud break or sparse foliage in early spring both indicate that winter root stress is affecting the tree.
In addition to the steps we mentioned above, consistent winter tree care also includes watering during dry periods and scheduling dormant season trimming. By knowing how to identify signs of stress and what preventative winter tree care measures you can take, you’re able to help set your trees up for a strong growing season when spring finally arrives.