Possible Damage That Occurs to Trees During Winter

Winter can be incredibly harsh on your outdoor space, leaving plants and decorations in bad space come spring. However, many people tend to overlook potentially catastrophic damage done to their trees. Winter weather can bring about many different issues for trees including low-temperature root damage and limb breakage. Here at SAM, our tree service experts know all of the tricks of the trade to keep your trees–and your house–safe during the winter.

Low-Temperature Root Damage

Low-temperature root damage is a particularly significant concern for trees as the stress of freezing temperatures causes roots to become weak, making them more susceptible to wind damage and other negative factors. Root damage can happen during prolonged cold spells, especially on shallow-rooted plants, container plantings, and non-native plants. When roots die during this weather, the symptoms won’t appear until late winter or spring. At that point, the foliage turns brown, buds die, and the entire crown may wilt and die suddenly.

Limb Breakage Due to Winter Storms

Winter storms can also present a serious problem for trees. Some of the most common tree damage you’ll see during winter includes limb breakage, which can be caused by heavy snow and ice accumulation on branches as well as strong winds. This can result in broken or split limbs that may need to be removed before they have the chance to fall and damage your property.

Trees Drying Out Due to Cold Temperature and Wind   

The cold and wind can cause a drying during winter months that mostly harms evergreens, especially mountain laurels, rhododendron, azalea, and holly. Even though transpiration halts for most plants in winter, these plants continue to leak water. Without the ability to replenish that water from the frozen soil, their foliage dries out. This problem is similar to the damage done by low temperatures; you'll see browning leaves and dead buds come late winter or early spring.

Damage Caused by Animals

Some animal activity during winter is particularly harmful to trees and shrubs. Deer are the most notorious for causing damage to otherwise healthy trees and vegetation. As other food sources become unavailable, deer turn to twigs and buds for sustenance. They can also injure trees by scraping their antlers against the trunk, a process often referred to as “buck rub.”

Small rodents and rabbits can also be problematic. These animals eat bark tissue around the lower stem and root collar during winter. This can result in tree death when feeding leads to girdling, where the bark is completely stripped from the tree.