As the winter season approaches in snowy Colorado, it can wreak havoc on your trees, leaving them weak and vulnerable. Trees can be costly, but we can help you prevent winter tree damage and protect your investment. For winter tree services in Englewood, CO, contact Bear Creek Tree Service.
How Cold Temperatures Impact Trees
In a harsh winter climate, understanding the types of winter damage frigid and snowy conditions can cause — and why that damage occurs — a tree is essential to protect its health.
Temperature Fluctuations
In winter, the climate fluctuates, dropping to freezing temperatures at night and warming back up in the daytime. These unexpected temperature changes can impact a tree as snow and ice accumulation occur. Then, as the tree thaws out, it can die, and the bark can split.
Desiccation
The extreme dryness in tender tree root tissue during the winter is known as desiccation, a form of tree dehydration from cold conditions and drier winter air. When left unaddressed, desiccation can lead to serious winter tree damage.
Frost Cracks
Cold fronts occur unexpectedly during the winter season and impact trees before they fully adjust to colder temperatures. When temperatures drop below 15 degrees Fahrenheit, trees are more prone to suffering from vertical ruptures, known as radial shakes.
Sunscald
Sunscald occurs during winter when the temperature drops at night or when trees are in shady areas without access to full sun. The tree’s cambium layer and bark get damaged when the temperature drops.
Ways To Protect Your Trees
There are many practices you can implement to protect trees during the winter. A few simple steps can help prevent your trees from suffering as the temperature drops.
Burlap Wrapping
Girdling or tree wrapping is one of the best methods of protecting a tree from animals and insects that nest or feed on the bark. Wrapping a tree in burlap also helps it retain moisture and protect it from road salt damage.
Dormancy Preparation
To prepare a tree for the dormant season, you can limit pruning and fertilizing in late summer because this process stimulates new growth. Late summer pruning hurts trees because they fortify themselves to prepare for winter. When they are pruned before the cold season, they work to grow new leaves instead.
Watering During Winter
Trees need water to stay hydrated during winter months. Older trees absorb and hold water better, but young trees should be watered until the frost occurs, especially in dry conditions.
Contact the Pros
Professional arborists can assess your tree’s health before winter and implement measures to protect it from damage.
Reach Out to Bear Creek Tree Service
You may have other questions about winter tree damage. Should you cut down an injured tree before winter? Can tree limbs grow back? Is burlap wrapping better than other types of cloth?
At Bear Creek Tree Service, we have the answers. We aim to provide our residential and commercial clients safe, affordable, dependable tree care. Call us at (720) 299-1409 or request a free estimate today.