Winterizing Trees
As you go about winterizing your property for the season of cold and snow ahead, don’t forget about your trees. Our harsh Minnesota winters can damage your trees, especially if they are young or newly planted. Varieties of thin-barked species are also susceptible to winter damage. The greatest winter threat to vulnerable trees is from the sub-freezing temperatures that cause injury in the form of sun scald, browning, root injuries, or snow and ice damage.
Sun scald Young trees, newly planted trees, and trees with thin bark are in danger of sun scald. Sun scald occurs on sunny winter days when sunlight stimulates the cells under thin-barked trees to start growing. When the sunlight is blocked or night falls, the newly formed cells freeze and die which damages the tree. You can use light-colored material or purchase a commercial plastic tree guard or tree wrap to protect susceptible trees. Contact a licensed Minnesota arborist for information about preventing or treating trees that are injured by sun scald.
Browning Coniferous (evergreen) trees can suffer from winter browning due to a variety of causes. Like sun scald, sunlight can cause cells to become active only to be killed by the sudden drop in temperature when the sunlight is blocked. Also, harsh winter winds can dry out foliage and kill it. You can help prevent winter browning by covering your coniferous trees with burlap on the south and west sides. Covering the trees blocks sunlight and protects the tree’s foliage from wind.
Root injury Roots do not become dormant as quickly as the rest of the tree because the ground temperature is much warmer than the air temperature above. However, if the ground temperature drops to +10°F or lower, the cold can damage a tree’s roots. Moist soil insulates better than dry soil. Potential root injury can be prevented by ensuring your trees are adequately watered throughout the autumn season. You can also insulate the roots of new trees by mulching them with 6 to 8 inches of wood chips or straw.
Snow and ice damage The added weight of snow and ice can break branches and even bring down entire trees. Proper pruning and tree maintenance can help avoid breakage and damage from snow and ice. Also, avoid shaking snow or ice from your tree branches. This can injure and weaken the tree causing it to be more susceptible to future ice and snowfall damage.
Winter: The best time to prune Remember thinking all last summer you should call someone to come and prune your trees but never got around to picking-up the phone? Good! Winter is the best season to have your trees professionally pruned and maintained to improve their health and beauty. With the foliage gone dead and broken branches are more easily visible. Also, winter pruning protects your trees from insects, infection, fungi, and bacteria that are common and spread unchecked during the late spring to early fall months.
Don’t forget your trees A little prevention can go a long way to protect your trees from the hazards of our harsh Minnesota winters. As you caulk your windows and doors, put the patio furniture into storage and prep the snow blower to battle winter's worst, don’t forget about your trees. Call a licensed arborist about the best way to protect your trees from the ravages of winter and help them be at their finest next spring!
About the Author
Maier Forest & Tree of Rochester MN has a team of certified arborists that specialize in tree healthcare and services.
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