Lawn care can become especially challenging in winter, particularly when it comes to your trees. Between frigid temperatures, harsh sunlight, and exposure to vermin, your trees are left vulnerable to several damaging factors when temperatures drop. To help protect your trees throughout the cold season, here are some common issues to be cognizant of.

Watch Out for These 3 Culprits of Winter Tree Damage

1. Damage From Drastic Temperature Shifts

Even with diligent tree and lawn care in prior seasons, the sturdiest of trees can become damaged by drastic temperature shifts when winter hits. The sudden transition from sunny daylight to a freezing nighttime temperature, in particular, can cause significant damage. A tree’s outer layer of bark is particularly vulnerable, as its directly exposed to the elements and will likely crack. However, a tree’s inner wood can also crack, depending on the severity of the weather.

2. Overexposure to the Sun

Just as skin can become damaged from too much sun exposure, trees can experience what’s known as “sunscald” from overexposure. During a bright winter day, rays from the sun will heat up tree bark, setting energy production processes in motion. However, once the sun goes down or becomes blocked and temperatures drop, the tree’s inner tissues will start to die off. Common symptoms of sunscald include deep rivets or cracks in the bark that may even extend as far inwards as the inner wood.

3. Damage From Deer, Mice, & Rabbits

In addition to damage from drastic temperature drops and excess sun exposure, animals can cause their fair share of damage to your trees come winter. Since frigid temperatures wipe out the usual food supply for deer, mice, and rabbits, they’ll begin to target your trees as a sustainable food source. Smaller animals such as mice and rabbits will chew on the tree’s bark, branches, and any remaining foliage. Larger deer can cause even more damage when they begin feasting on your trees or rubbing their antlers against the bark.

If you need tree and lawn care this winter, put your trust in Pepper's Landscaping & Lawn Service In Trumbull, CT. This family-owned and -operated landscaping company has been providing expert lawn care for residents since their 1985 inception. For three decades, this fully licensed and insured company has provided everything from lawn cleanup and masonry to excavation and 24/7 emergency services. To schedule a free estimate, give them a call today at (203) 377-1596 or visit them online.