The Most Common Tree Issues in Winter
Everything You Need to Know
Think winter is a quiet time for trees? Think again! Although many of them (evergreens aside) are in their dormant period, that doesn’t mean that they can’t develop any issues. In fact, there are a lot of tree problems that are specific to winter. To help you prepare for the months ahead, here are some of the most common winter tree issues, along with the importance of calling the tree surgeons Essex property owners trust.
Weather damage
It goes without saying that trees are vulnerable to more severe weather conditions in the winter. Everything from strong winds to frost can put branches under strain, and if they are too weak, they will simply break off. This means that your trees can not only take a hit in terms of their appearance, but they can also pose a threat to people and property if they are vulnerable to breakage.
Frost heaving
This is an issue that you may not be aware of, but it affects so many trees. Frost heaving happens when soil freezes and thaws repeatedly, something that’s really common during the winter. This results in the soil moving and pushing the tree’s roots upwards, leaving them exposed to the elements. This can weaken them really quickly and put the whole tree at risk.
Drought
Drought is a problem that we tend to associate with the summer months, but it is actually a really common issue in the winter as well. The soil tends to be much harder in the winter, that’s thanks to the freezing and thawing we’ve spoken about already. As a result, your tree can struggle to draw enough moisture from it.
Sunscald
Think of this like a sunburn, just for trees! Again, you might think that this is more common in the summer. It happens thanks to the tree bark being warmed by the sun before the temperature drops suddenly. The tree isn’t able to regulate itself and becomes damaged, and this can result in cracks in the bark
How a tree surgeon can help
If your tree is suffering from any of the above or something just doesn’t seem right, it’s time to call a tree surgeon! They have dealt with all kinds of winter tree issues and will be able to identify what the problem is right away. Armed with all the right tools and with years of experience to draw upon, they will be able to work quickly to protect your tree.
A tree surgeon is there to help you plan ahead, too. If you work with them throughout the year, they will be able to advise you on things like mulching and pruning to get your trees in the best shape for winter in 2026.
You know what to do next
As you can see, there are many issues that can affect your trees in the winter. If anything is giving you cause for concern, it’s time to call a trusted local tree surgeon in your area.
