Although landscapes are largely neglected during winter, the weather can take its toll on your trees. The effects can range from mild to dramatic, but all have the potential to affect your home’s curb appeal. It’s helpful to understand why the drop in temperatures has such an impact on the yard and how tree services can help resolve the problems. Here’s why cold weather can be detrimental to your trees.

How Trees Are Harmed During Winter

1. Heavy Storm Damage

Heavy snowfall collects everywhere from the rooftop to the grass. Those flakes can also weigh down the branches on your trees, leading them to bend and weaken or snap off completely. Some trees, like evergreens, are particularly prone to breakage. If you’re concerned about this possibility, have a tree service secure the branches with twine before the first snowfall. Ice, too, can cause damage to some hardwood trees. To prevent breakage, be gentle when dusting snow off branches before it has a chance to freeze. Otherwise, just let it melt on its own.

2. Animals Girdle Trunks

In search of nourishment, animals like rabbits and mice may gnaw their way around the bark of the tree, creating a completely bitten circle. If a trunk is girdled, the tree will ultimately die because its source of energy and nourishment fails. Moisture can still travel to the branches and trunk, but the leaves above can’t deliver energy to the roots in response. This causes the tree to starve. You can prevent this from happening by having a tree service professional enrobe the trunk with a protective screen wire or cloth — ideally above the line where the snow hits.

3. Temperatures Fluctuate

Trees can even go into a form of shock if they’re exposed to a sudden shift in temperature. A deep freeze, for example, can cause trees to develop vertical tears in the bark. These are known as frost cracks. Sunscald, when the sun warms that damaged spot, can also occur. Although the damage is often only on the surface, it can take away from the tree’s otherwise clean appearance.

Are you concerned that your trees may suffer winter’s wrath? It’s time to turn to the experts at Alton Tree Services of West Hartford, CT. The company offers an extensive range of tree services including cutting, stump removal, and storm damage cleanup. They’ll assess the placement of any potentially dangerous trees and can remove them speedily if they pose a threat. Visit the company online to learn more about their services, or call them at (860) 236-8027. If they’ve helped you recently, you can also review them on Google to share your experience.