Winter Damage Precautions for Trees
In the spring and summer months many people ask the question to many tree services, “What is the matter with my trees and shrubs?” Although each case is different, many times it can be attributed to winter damage. Winters can be extremely stressful on your trees and shrubs. This article briefly outlines what you can look for and do to reduce your trees chance of winter damage and need for possible tree removal.
There are many different types of winter damage. Symptoms may vary depending on the type of species of trees and shrubs.
Sun scald: This type of damage occurs mostly to trees and shrubs which face south to southwest and have smooth types of barks. Apples, crabapples, mountain ash, amur cherries, maydays, shubert choke cherries, maple, lindens, poplar and aspen poplars are the most susceptible to this type of damage from the sun. With sun scald damage you will see “sloughing off” or pealing of the outer bark of the tree trunk. Breaking up of the snow and ice around these vulnerable species of trees can help in reducing the suns harmful glare. Placing some form of protection around the tree trunk, such as burlap, card board or other type of tree wrap can substancially help in the prevention of sun scald damage.
Severe temperature damage: Abnormally low temperatures in early fall, mid winter and in late spring can cause tip die back and bud death. To help prevent this type of environmental damage you should select and plant trees and shrubs which are hardy to your specific temperature zone. Also, it is essential avoid heavy watering and fertilizing with high nitrogen containing fertilizers in the late fall. These practices can lead to the production of late new growth which can be very susceptible to winter kill because it has not had time to “harden off” before going into the winter season.
Excessive snow and ice: Each year in the winter thru late spring, trees suffer heavy damage due to late snowfalls and ice storms. The weight of the snow and ice can cause many large trees and branches to fail. In order to reduce the chance of this type of devistating damage, you should have your trees inspected and maintained by a professional, certified arborist. A certified arborist can assess you trees from a professional view point. Proper selective pruning, lightening of heavy limbs, cabling and bracing are some of the services which a certified arborist can provide in order to help reduce the risk of tree and branch failure.
In order to reduce your chance of frustration over winter damage in the spring, be proactive, plan ahead. Maintaining your trees at the proper time can help avoid many disease and physiological problems down the road. It is essential that the tree care company you hire to care for your valuable landscape assets are experienced and know what they are doing. Always check to see their references and credentials!