There are many ways to spot winter tree damage. One of the clearest is by looking for browning evergreen needles.
While trees may seem resilient, winter can be challenging them. The potential damage depends on the types of trees and the weather you experience during this season. If you spot winter tree damage you shouldn’t waste any time contacting professionals at Scientific Plant Service to diagnose the problem and develop solutions. How can trees be damaged in winter, and how can you spot trouble areas? Check for the following:
Look For Root Damage
You have probably seen indoor plants wilt and slump when they don’t receive enough water or nutrients. Trees can do the same when they don’t have adequate resources. If you notice your tree drooping, make sure to see that the roots are properly covered and have not received any damage. Mulch should be no deeper than 2 inches and not piled against the tree’s trunk. If the roots are damaged, the tree and its branches are compromised. It’s best to discuss possible remediation with an experienced Scientific Plant Service arborist.
Check Evergreen Needles
Deciduous trees lose their leaves in the fall. However, evergreen trees keep their needles or leaves year-round. The color of these needles should stay consistently green year-round to indicate good health. If you notice that new growth is turning yellow or brown, this may indicate that the evergreen is losing moisture or is experiencing winter burn.
Look for Rodents
If you live near a wooded area and are often visited by squirrels, owls, possums, and more, these small animals can damage your trees. Some rodents may eat the bark of a tree if they can’t find other food in the winter. Look to see if it appears your bark is being eaten. If it is, call in Scientific Plant Service’s licensed tree experts to assess the problem.
The Impact of Weather
Weather can change fast and often in winter. Large swings in temperature when the weather is turning towards spring can negatively impact your tree. For example, your trees’ leaf and flower buds may peek out in late spring, only for the tree to be hit with a late-season frost. This may cause the tree’s health to suffer, so it’s best to keep an eye on its condition.
Human Damage
If your children want to play on your trees or use a swing attached to branches, this may be risky near the end of winter. Branches are weaker after a long winter and are not always in the best condition to take on extra weight. You should also make sure that no one plays on or around your trees covered in ice or snow. The branches may break off, or heavy snow and icicles may fall off of the branches and hurt someone.
Splitting Bark
When temperatures drop below a plant’s tolerance, damage such as frost cracks may appear. Frost cracks look like their name and are caused by the expansion and contraction of bark in response to fluctuating temperatures.
Scientific Plant Service Is Your Go-To Source In Landscape Healthcare
Scientific Plant Service, located in Baltimore, is a privately owned corporation, chartered in Maryland in 1957 by Frank J. Burke. We started as a full-service Arborists specializing in the care of shade trees and ornamental shrubs, but today we are a Lawn Care company that is a huge part of the community. From aquatic environments and snow management to deer and mole control, SPS has services tailored specifically for your lawn and landscape.
We offer services in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia, including: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Calvert counties in MD, as well as Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church in VA. For more information, contact us online, or call us at 410-321-0970. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.