The winter weather takes a toll on your landscaping. Snow weighs down branches, for instance, while the cold can kill delicate flowers. When the temperatures are below freezing, arborists come across a condition known as frost heaving, which can result in the death of plants and trees without proper precautions. Find out more about how this happens and how to prevent it in the guide below.

What Is Frost Heaving?

When cold air seeps into the ground, it freezes droplets of moisture in the soil. These particles of ice come together to form an ice lens, or a frozen layer that draws additional moisture up from deeper layers of soil. As more moisture is pulled, the ice lens expands and causes shifting.

The pressure this generates creates cracks in the soil and can make it look like clumps of earth are erupting from the ground. Plant and tree roots can be heaved out and left exposed to the elements. Compacted soil also makes it harder for roots to get oxygen and nutrients, potentially killing the plants.

How Can You Prevent It?

Insulate the soil to protect it against the cold. Apply a mulch made of an organic material, like pine or wood chips. You can also place evergreen boughs over the earth to help keep underground temperatures above freezing and prevent frost from penetrating the soil.

It's also important to keep the surface level. When there are dips or ravines in the earth, water will pool and seep into the low spots. This makes it easier for an ice lens to form. If you spot unevenness, rake out your garden to smooth it out and fill the gaps with soil, adding compost to improve drainage.

Liscombe Tree Service of St. Charles, MO, provides comprehensive tree care. From tree trimming and winter pruning to health inspections, their arborists handle it all. Their expertly trained team has the experience and tools to help you maintain a beautiful yard year-round. Visit their website for a list of their services. For an appointment with an arborist, call (314) 650-9055.