How Does A Tree Survive The Winter?

Have you ever wondered what happens to a tree in the winter months? Ansel Adams has made a living out of photographing the beauty of such trees; but what, truly, is going on inside these large pieces of nature?

Trees may look as if they are inactive going into winter, but they continue to regulate their metabolism. Early dormancy involves a number of factors: active growth, formation of buds, losing leaves and development of cold resistance. The buds of some trees have a winter chilling requirement for winter survival. Evidence from some experiments proves that chemical treatments immediately prior to the first frost may break winter rest for trees. So it is recommended that weed or growth killers for trees not be applied a few weeks prior to the temperature dropping to low levels.

As trees begin to lose their leaves, they are already preparing for the cold season. Leaves are a main source of light absorption, so trees must start building up a food and fertilization supply within the roots and branches to last throughout winter. This dormancy is triggered, in trees, by a number of factors: temperatures dropping, minimal nutrition gatherings and water supply.

Along with the naturally cold temperatures, excessive winds and ice that is all produced during the winter season, there are other variables that can determine a tree’s heath for next spring. As the temperature begins to drop, small animals such as snakes and rodents, are actively seeking winter shelters. Mass quantities of these animals within a tree can damage and even hollow a tree completely. Deer are also dependent on tree bark as a food source during the winter months. Paint-on repellents and mesh fencing can deter some of this activity, but trees may take an unhealthy turn when animals are consistently wearing on them.

Pruning a tree during late Fall can protect it from major branch breakage. As ice begins to build up on tree branches, the weight can often snap branches in half. Pruning dead or overlapping branches can strengthen a tree for winter. Even deadwood and ill branches should be removed and discarded of, for the health of a tree.

There are several dormant sprays that are available to protect your tree from Jack Frost. These sprays often contain copper, lime and sulfur. These protectants, with a nice top layer of mulch around the tree, may stop microorganisms from entering the tree. If sprays aren’t for you, there are several organic options to getting lime into the tree’s roots and base.

When it comes to your evergreens, be sure to keep them properly watered throughout the winter to reduce winter injury.. Never stress plants by under - or overwatering. Decrease watering slightly in September to encourage hardening off, and then water thoroughly in October until freeze-up. Watering only in late fall does not help reduce injury. If an evergreen has suffered winter injury, wait until mid-spring before pruning out injured foliage. Brown foliage is most likely dead and will not green up, but the buds, which are more cold hardy than foliage, will often grow and fill in areas where brown foliage was removed. If the buds have not survived, prune dead branches back to living tissue. Fertilize injured plants in early spring and water them well throughout the season. Provide appropriate protection the following winter.

Even though trees respond differently to winter stress and each winter provides a different set of stressful conditions, trees possess a remarkable ability to withstand extremely severe winter conditions.

Andrew Johnson is the owner of Central Texas Tree Care, a leading tree service provider in Central Texas (Travis County and surrounding areas) offering services such as pruning and removals, cabling and bracing as well as arborist reports, diagnostics, pest management, fertilization and Austin tree service trusts. For more information please visit http://www.centraltexastreecare.com.