Protecting Trees from Winter Damage

Winter in Rochester, NY brings beautiful snowy landscapes but also harsh conditions that can stress and damage trees. Heavy snow, ice, freezing rain, and strong winds are common hazards that threaten tree health and stability during the colder months. Understanding how these weather conditions affect trees can help you prevent damage and keep your landscape safe.

Snow and ice accumulate on branches, weighing them down. This corckscrew willow had several branches fail after the weight of snow and ice became too much.

Winter storms create conditions that test a tree's strength and flexibility, with several factors contributing to potential damage. Heavy snow and freezing rain can accumulate on branches, significantly increasing their weight and causing them to sag, crack, or break under the strain. Gusty winter winds add another layer of stress, swaying trees and leading to fractures in limbs or, in extreme cases, entire trunk failures. Trees with weak union attachments, particularly those with narrow or V-shaped branch connections, are especially vulnerable and often fail when subjected to these additional stresses. Additionally, rapid temperature changes can result in cold stress, leading to frost cracks in the bark that create entry points for pests and diseases. Both deciduous and evergreen trees are at risk during winter storms. While deciduous trees may seem less vulnerable due to their bare limbs, these branches can still snap under pressure. Evergreens, on the other hand, with their dense foliage, are more prone to accumulating snow and ice, which significantly increases the risk of limb failure.

Our crew responded to an emergency after snow and ice caused several limbs on a silver maple to fail.

Winter can be tough on trees, but taking a few simple steps can help prevent damage and prepare them for dormancy. Begin by having branches that are damaged or dead pruned out. This reduces stress points and lowers the risk of breakage under snow or ice. Inspect your trees for visible signs of weakness, such as cracks, decay, or narrow branch unions. Even with limited tree knowledge, you can often spot these issues by taking a closer look during fall yard clean-up. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of trees, which insulates roots against temperature fluctuations and helps retain moisture during the dry winter months. Homeowners can also monitor their trees for heavy ice accumulation and keep an eye on weather conditions that might warrant extra attention. These low-maintenance actions require minimal expertise and go a long way in maintaining tree health during winter.

Pruning trees can help reduce stress on limbs.

While homeowners can manage basic tree care, Monster Tree Service of Rochester offers advanced solutions for comprehensive protection against winter hazards. Our professional pruning goes beyond simple trimming, targeting problematic limbs at greater heights and identifying hidden stress points that might not be obvious. Through detailed tree health assessments, we uncover structural weaknesses, such as internal decay or poor union attachments, that may put your trees at risk during storms. For trees with larger canopies or inherently weak branches, we provide expert cabling and bracing services to reinforce stability and prevent storm-related failures. Additionally, if your trees accumulate significant ice or sustain damage, our team is equipped to safely manage removal and repairs without causing further harm to the tree or surrounding property. With our expertise, we ensure your trees are not only prepared for winter but also thrive long after the season has passed.

Find out more:

Schedule a consultation with a Monster Arborist

NYS DEC: Enjoying the Outdoors, Winter Safety

Winter Tree ID Tool

Ask the Arborist

Sarah

ISA Certified Arborist: NY 6774A

NYSDEC 3A Certified Applicator: C8890526

Q: Are trees "sleeping" during winter?

A: Trees don’t sleep in the same way animals do, but they do enter a state called dormancy. This is like a deep rest that helps them survive the cold winter months. During dormancy, a tree’s growth slows down significantly, and it conserves energy by reducing water movement and shutting down non-essential processes. Leaves have already fallen (for deciduous trees), and the tree focuses on protecting its vital parts, like roots and buds. Dormancy is crucial because it helps trees withstand freezing temperatures and harsh weather conditions.

Q: When do trees start "waking up"?

A: Trees begin to wake up gradually in late winter or early spring, depending on the climate and species. The change is triggered by longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, and melting snow. During this time, roots start absorbing more water, and the tree begins activating stored nutrients. You might notice sap flowing in some trees, like maples, which is a sign that they’re getting ready for growth! Buds may also start to swell as trees prepare to produce new leaves and flowers.

Q: Why is winter important for trees?

A: Late winter and early spring are critical for trees because it’s when they gear up for their most active growing season. The water and nutrients absorbed during this time helps create new leaves, flowers, and fruits. This early activity sets the stage for the tree’s health and productivity for the rest of the year. Trees also repair any damage they may have sustained during winter, like cracked bark or broken branches. Without this preparation phase, trees wouldn’t have the energy or resources to grow and thrive in the warmer months.

Monster in the Neighborhood

We completed root collar excavation on a sugar maple (Acer saccharum) this fall. This tree had severe girdling roots that were restricting nutrient flow, resulting in noticeable crown dieback. We removed excess soil and pruned the problematic roots to help improve the tree's health. During the process, we also exposed the trunk flare, which is the communication center of the tree where essential exchanges take place.

Arborists take advantage of cooler seasons to address critical root issues using air spading. Air spading, or root collar excavation, is a vital process for maintaining tree health. By using a specialized tool that blows air at high speed, we safely remove soil from around the tree's root collar to expose hidden issues, such as girdling roots.

Girdling roots, which form when roots grow in a circular pattern around the base of the tree, can strangle the tree as it grows. These roots disrupt the flow of water, air, and nutrients, effectively choking the tree and leading to poor health or even death if left untreated. Girdling roots often form due to factors like improper planting, soil settling, excessive mulch, planting near sidewalks or driveways, over- or under-watering, compacted soil, or poor soil conditions.

Air spading is an effective solution to these issues, as it allows us to carefully prune problematic roots while protecting the tree. Early spring and late fall are the ideal times for this process because trees are better equipped to respond to root pruning during these seasons, and the cooler soil temperatures help reduce stress on the tree. By addressing root problems like girdling roots, air spading ensures the tree can access the resources it needs—water, air, and nutrients—to thrive for years to come.

Monster Fun

If you were a tree in winter, would you rather be an evergreen or a deciduous tree?

A. Evergreen that keeps its needles year-round

B. Deciduous that drops its leaves in winter and grows new ones in spring