Identifying Winter Tree Damage: What to Look For
Winter can be harsh on trees, leading to various types of damage that may not be immediately apparent until the weather warms. At Bonilla Tree Services, we recognize the importance of early identification of winter tree damage to mitigate long-term impacts and ensure the health of your trees. Here’s what to look for when identifying winter tree damage:
1. Frost Crack
Appearance: Vertical cracks along the trunk that may appear suddenly or deepen over time.
Cause: Sudden temperature changes, especially on sunny winter days when the tree trunk warms up and then rapidly cools as the sun sets, causing the wood to contract quickly and split.
2. Sunscald
Appearance: Areas of dead bark on the south or southwest side of young and thin-barked trees, such as maples and fruit trees.
Cause: Similar to frost cracks, sunscald occurs when the tree bark warms in the winter sun and then rapidly re-freezes, damaging the tissue.
3. Broken Branches
Appearance: Limbs and branches may be broken or hanging.
Cause: The weight of ice and snow accumulation or strong winter winds.
4. Desiccation or Winter Burn
Appearance: Browning or discoloration of evergreen foliage, particularly on the side exposed to wind or sun.
Cause: Trees lose moisture through their leaves or needles, and when the ground is frozen, they’re unable to take up water to replace it, leading to drying out of the foliage.
5. Salt Damage
Appearance: Browning or discoloration of foliage, especially near roads or walkways where de-icing salts are used.
Cause: Salt spray from roads or excessive salt in the soil can disrupt the water uptake of trees and lead to dehydration and foliage damage.
6. Animal Damage
Appearance: Bark chewed away at the base of the tree, missing branches, or gnaw marks.
Cause: Animals such as rabbits, deer, and rodents may feed on tree bark and branches for sustenance during the winter.
7. Root Damage
Appearance: This may not be directly visible but can manifest as poor growth or decline in health during the growing season.
Cause: Fluctuating temperatures and freeze-thaw cycles can damage shallow roots.
Addressing Winter Tree Damage
Pruning: Remove broken or damaged branches to prevent pests and diseases from entering the tree.
Wrapping: Protect thin-barked trees from sunscald and frost cracks by wrapping the trunk with tree wraps in the fall.
Watering: Provide adequate water in the fall and apply mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Protection: Use physical barriers to protect trees from animal damage and avoid using de-icing salts near trees when possible.
If you suspect your trees have suffered winter damage, it’s crucial to address the issues promptly to support their recovery and prevent further decline. At Bonilla Tree Services, our team of certified arborists can help assess the damage and recommend the best course of action. Early spring is an ideal time for a thorough inspection and implementation of any necessary care strategies.