Winter can be hard on trees. Fluctuating temperatures and early spring weather can cause trees to bud too rapidly. Extreme cold can create cracks which are particularly dangerous for trees. If you are concerned about weather damage to your trees, taking immediate action will hopefully keep them healthy and protect their longevity.
Temperature Swings
When the Canadian climate seems to go from summer one day to winter the next, it can be particularly hard on trees. The same shock occurs when temperatures become unseasonably warm during the winter months. These extremes make plants vulnerable to damage and disease.
Low Temperatures
Extremely low and freezing temperatures are also dangerous for trees. Any tree that has already been damaged is susceptible to new problems from cold. While the most exposed trees are ones more suitable for a warmer temperature zone (i.e. southern), all trees can suffer damage when the weather gets brutally cold.
Frost Cracks
Take a stroll around your trees looking for frost cracks. These cracks (sometimes called “radial shakes”) usually appear on the south or southwest side of the tree, where temperature swings tend to have the most effect. Some species of ornamental trees are particularly defenseless. Once a frost crack appears, it is likely to reoccur every year.
Sunscald
Even in wintertime, the sun’s heat can do damage to trees by causing an elongated canker in the tree’s trunk. Eventually, bark may fall off, providing a home for bacteria and insects.
Winter Burn
Photo credit to hort.uwex.edu
If you have evergreens, you probably expect them to stay green throughout the year. Depending on the species, these trees can suffer from winter burn, causing needles to turn brown and droop. This is caused by water within the tree freezing, so it cannot properly reach the needles.
Prevention
Winter tree damage is always a risk, but your trees will have a greater chance at survival if you choose varieties that do well in Bradford, Newmarket, King City, Aurora and Alliston. While you may want to prune your trees in the late fall, resist the temptation. It can make your trees more vulnerable. Using mulch around tree roots helps to conserve soil moisture and insulate the roots from the cold. Feed evergreen trees during the cold winter months and protect them with a burlap shield.
If you have specific questions about your trees in the GTA, call one of our certified arborists at (905) 775-7444. Great Northern ReGreenery can help you choose the right trees for your property, and keep them happy and healthy.