The arrival of colder weather inevitably means freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and biting winds. While these aspects make for an enchanting winter wonderland, they are also surprisingly hard on the trees on your property. Below are three common cold-weather tree issues that an arborist can help remedy.

How Cold Weather Can Affect Trees

1. Broken Limbs

After a tree sheds its leaves in fall, it enters a dormant period where it is naturally more brittle. Snow and ice accumulation put substantial weight on limbs during this time when the tree isn't as strong as it is at other times of the year. This combination results in broken limbs, which damage buildings, injure people, and litter a yard with so many branches as to make it virtually impassable. Broken limbs also jeopardize the structure of the tree and cause it to lean.

2. Frost Cracks

Frost cracks are more common in the latter part of winter after the water has built up in the inner bark of the tree. The fluctuating temperatures contract and expand the water, putting pressure on the bark and making vertical cracks in the trunk of the tree. Frost cracks are typically on the side of the tree that faces the sun, which undergoes extreme temperature changes between day and night.

3. Winter Burn

Winter burn is a condition that arborists see most often in evergreen trees. During the winter, the tree has less access to water, so it takes moisture from its cells. As a result, foliage and needles don't get their necessary nutrients, and they will turn noticeably brown or red. In severe cases, an evergreen won’t recover from the effects of winter burn.

To prevent or treat any of these issues, consult an arborist. Liscombe Tree Service serves property owners throughout the St. Charles County, MO, region. They offer a variety of tree services, including pruning, trimming, removal, and stump grinding. They also provide emergency removal services when a compromised tree creates a dangerous situation on your property. Call (314) 650-9055 or visit their website to obtain a free estimate from an experienced arborist.