As the seasons change in Madison and Dane County, so should your tree care strategies. Winter is a time of dormancy for deciduous trees, while evergreens continue to grow throughout the year. It may seem like the trees take care of themselves, naturally adjusting to the cold weather, but they sometimes face challenges that require extra support.
Here, we’ll discuss six common cold-weather tree problems, along with tips to avoid winter tree injuries and when to call a tree care specialist.
6 Cold-Weather Tree Problems
While this list is not exhaustive, several common problems affect Wisconsin trees during the winter.
1. Trunk Cracks and Sunscald
Also known as frost cracks, these vertical openings extend into the wood of the tree, typically at the base of the trunk. They leave trees vulnerable to pest infestations and diseases.
Trunk cracks are a result of sunscald, which occurs due to overexposure to sunlight, typically on the south side of trees, and is also partly caused by temperature fluctuations that occur during winter months.
Certain species are more likely to develop frost cracks than others, including ash, oak, and elm trees. Sometimes the outer layer of bark does not peel away until the following summer.
2. Winter Burn
Winter burn is the result of poorly developed or damaged root systems that aren’t taking up enough water. It can also be caused by delayed dormancy.
This condition is most noticeable when spring temperatures rise and newly grown leaves develop brown edges. Similar to sunscald, winter burn particularly affects south-facing foliage that receives the most sunlight. In severe cases, it can kill trees.
3. Frost Heave
Frost heave occurs when soil expands and contracts due to consistent temperature fluctuations, often accompanied by repeated cycles of freezing and thawing. Frost heave can push plants and their roots, causing them to heave. Trees with shallow root systems and those that have been recently planted are the most susceptible to this condition.
Your trees may be experiencing frost heaving if their roots have broken through the soil’s surface. Exposed roots are often further damaged by cold temperatures and drying winds.
4. Root System Injuries
Similar to frost heave, other root system injuries are common in the winter. While root injuries can occur year-round, extremely low temperatures put roots at risk of damage, preventing them from absorbing sufficient water.
5. Salt Damage
Salt treatments in the winter are effective in keeping roads and walkways safe, but salt can cause harm to trees if absorbed through the soil or sprayed onto the leaves and bark. In both cases, sodium chloride dehydrates the trees by drawing out moisture, which can accelerate winter burn and cause weakening.
The trees closest to roads and walkways where salt is used are the most vulnerable to exposure, although salt tolerance varies per tree species.
6. Wildlife Damage
Severe winters can be challenging for animals, who may resort to feeding on trees when other food sources are unavailable. Mice, rabbits, and deer have all been known to pursue twigs, bark, leaves, and stems in the winter. Extensive damage from wildlife can even cause girdling.
How to Protect Your Trees From Cold Weather
To prevent cold-weather tree problems, regular maintenance is key—not only in winter but year-round. As temperatures drop, here are some things you can do to keep your trees healthy:
- Wrap tree trunks: Particularly for new trees that have thin bark will benefit from winter wrapping. This practice protects them from trunk cracks and sunscald.
- Create another barrier for animals: If you want to protect your trees and plants from winter animals, install a fence barrier before snowfall.
- Mulch: A 4- to 6-inch layer of mulch can protect soil in the winter and prevent frost heaving by maintaining consistent soil temperatures.
- Deep watering as needed: Not all trees need deep watering. This practice is for trees that have had a particularly hot and dry fall or early winter, or have symptoms of dehydration, such as winter burn. Deep watering ensures your trees are well hydrated ahead of any winter freezes to come.
- Prune as needed: While your trees are dormant and preserving energy, remove any dead or damaged parts. Pruning not only protects your property from potential fallen branches but also prevents the spread of disease if your tree is infected.
For Winter Tree Care in Madison, Call Stephenson Tree Care
Need additional tree care support? Serving residential and commercial customers in Madison and Dane County, Stephenson Tree Care provides a range of professional services that strengthen the long-term health of your trees. Our specialists create effective programs to manage your plants’ health.
Our plant care services include:
- Soil management
- Root management
- Growth regulation
- Construction protection
- Damage remediation
Ready to schedule your next appointment? Call our Madison office at 608-257-1001 today!
