How Does Cold Winter Weather Damage Trees?

Winter weather can bring rain, wind, ice, and snow at any time to the Orchard Park area. When winter weather hits, we usually sit at home staring at our televisions with anticipation of what this storm will do and how it will affect us.

In addition to road closures, ice, and snow days for school kids, cold winter damages trees.  Even though trees are resting in the winter, they are still vulnerable to weather damage. Trees are predominantly susceptible to harm in the cold months, though the results are often not apparent until the springtime. How does cold winter weather damage trees? Read on!

Fluctuating or Low Temperatures

Glazed Tree Branch After Winter Ice Storm

When temperatures go below a plant’s natural acceptance, trees can become damaged.  Trees that are on the brink of their zone might not be able to sustain those record-freezing days. Temperature variations can also cause issues like frost cracks, which result from a severe drop in temperature.

Frost cracks are cracks that develop in the tree’s bark. They happen more frequently on the sun-facing side of the tree because of the higher variance between nighttime and daytime temps.

Sunscald is a comparable injury which makes a spot of damaged bark stemming from the warming of that space by the sun.  Typically, sunscald and frost cracks only create superficial damage. In these cases, the tree will recoup, even though the damage may be permanent. If you aren’t sure about certain destruction, a tree care company can help you examine the health of your trees.

Warm Weather Then Frost

Trees can get frostbite, cold winter weather can damage trees. Frost develops when the humidity in the air links with below-freezing temps. This can be an issue if a tree is still producing or growing. Frostbite appears on trees as black or brown buds, leaves, fruits, or flowers. New shoots or leaves will wilt, twist, or curl in frosty weather.  

The time in a season for a tree or plant to be frostbitten is early spring or late winter. When warmer weather causes trees to come out of dormancy, they’re susceptible to harm from frost.  This may also occur in an unusually warm winter.