Winter weather’s cold temperatures can be tough, especially if you’re a tree. So, how do trees survive winter and deal with the frost and snow during the cold season?
This guide from Arkadelphia’s trusted tree service will give you some helpful hints that will help your tree survive the harsh winter months.
A Short Guide on How Trees Survive Winter
They Have Adequate Protection from Tree Bark
Trees survive winter with adequate protection from their bark. The bark protects the tree from the elements, as well as insects, fungi, and bacteria. It also helps to regulate water flow and prevent water loss through evaporation.
The bark acts as a barrier between the woody tissue of the tree and the outside environment of cold winters, protecting it against insect infestation and fungal infection.
Trees Increase Their Cellular Cold Tolerance Levels
When thinking of “How do trees survive winter?” an important consideration is that trees actually increase their cellular cold tolerance levels during winter, which helps them survive harsh conditions. In most cases, trees increase the amount of water in their cells to help resist freezing.
They also make more antifreeze compounds and reduce cell wall permeability and ice crystals so water cannot escape from the cell walls.
Evergreen Trees Cover Their Leaves in a Wax-Like Coating
Evergreen trees are unique for their ability to withstand winter. Their leaves don’t die off but, instead, remain green throughout the winter months.
The secret to their survival lies in their leaves. Most evergreen trees have a wax-like coating that helps them resist freezing temperatures. The coating is especially thick on the undersides of their leaves and their needles.
Evergreen trees do lose some of their leaves during the winter months, but they usually regrow them by springtime.
Some Trees (Deciduous Trees) Drop Their Leaves or Needles
How do trees survive winter without leaves? Some trees drop their leaves or needles every fall, a process known as “abscission,” which helps the tree survive the winter. Trees that lose their leaves in this way can focus their energy on keeping their trunks and tree roots warm, which is essential for their survival in cold weather.
How to Help Your Trees Survive Winter
Although trees have built-in mechanisms to survive winter, there are steps you can take to help them. First, check the tree regularly for signs of trouble. Look for dead or injured branches, pests such as insects and fungus, and other signs of something wrong. If you notice any problems with your tree, contact an arborist to help you fix it.
Second, water your tree regularly during the fall and winter months. You’ll want to water it about once every week or two—just check that the soil is moist but not soaked. Also, ensure there’s no standing water around your tree’s roots!
Finally, mulching around your trees will help keep them from getting too cold during winter. Mulch can also help prevent water loss and weeds from growing next to your trees’ trunks which can damage them over time.
Contact Your Local Arkadelphia Arborists for More Winter Tree Care Advice
Winter is a tough time for trees. We hope these valuable tips on “How do trees survive winter?” have given you an insight into the wonder of Mother Nature and what you can do to help your trees endure the harsh conditions.
Need more winter tree care advice? Contact Urban Jacks Tree Service for a free assessment. We’re your local arborists, and we’re here to help you keep your trees healthy and strong all year long.
Learn about our tree health care services from our ISA-certified arborists. Call us at (501) 547-4018 to schedule your appointment!
