Protect Your Trees from Freezing and Thawing Damage

Throughout the winter, many people look forward to when the weather takes a sunny turn and the temperature starts to rise. Regardless of how short these warm spells may be before the cold creeps back, the fluctuating temperature is welcomed with open arms. However, it can have damaging effects on your trees. This change from below to above then back below the freezing point causes freezing and thawing cycles to occur and can harm your trees with frost heaving and frost cracking. Confused? Let’s dive in…

Frost Heaving

During the warm winter days when temperatures rise, the soil around your trees warm from the sunlight and begin to thaw. This allows the top layers of the soil to expand, but when night falls, the quick drop in temperature causes the soil to refreeze and shrink back down. When this happens consistently, the continual expansion and contraction of the soil forces the root systems up and out of the soil – also known as frost heaving. This ultimately can cause the tree roots to break, or in severe situations, it can cause your tree to lean, tip over, or kill your trees. However, the damage may not be contained to only your trees. Frost heaving can also cause damage to your property. The breakdown of these root systems can damage foundations, walkways, and even cause potholes.

While there are is no way to completely prevent the freezing and thawing cycles from happening, there are ways to minimize its damage. One of these ways is to use mulch to help insulate the ground. This will provide an extra layer that can help to prevent the freezing and thawing from happening as quickly. Another option is to use leaves and evergreen boughs to help insulate these root systems.

Frost Cracking

Much like the way sunny winter days affect the soil, it also causes the bark and the underlying wood of the trees to expand as well. Then, when the temperature drops at night, the outer bark layer contracts quicker than the inner layer can. When trees experience this freezing and thawing cycle frequently, it causes a vertical crack in the bark of the tree, resulting in a loud, sharp noise.

Frost cracks are especially common on the south and west side of young trees with thin bark. However, it can happen to all trees where sun shines directly on its bark. Once the crack is made, it increases your trees chances of being colonized by decay, fungi, or serve as an entry point for various borer insects such as the Emerald Ash Borer.

The good news is there are ways to help prevent frost cracking from happen to your trees. One of the best ways is by applying tree guards to the trunk of your trees. These guards reflect the sunlight, helping to slow the expansion and contraction of the tree bark and ultimately the protect it from frost damage.

Though these warmer sunny winter days may be appreciated, the damage of the freezing and thawing cycles can be deadly for your trees and damaging for your property. If you notice your trees showing signs of frost damage, contact the experts at Ivan’s Tree Service. Let the professionals help you determine the best course of action that will keep your trees healthy and your property safe all year long.