Weather Tidbits: Trees & Temperature Fluctuations

This Weather Tidbits will discuss how temperature fluctuations affect trees during the winter season. We will specifically be referring to the effects of harsh cold weather on early budded trees. Trees are very resilient to these temperature fluctuations. Especially healthy and mature trees. This won’t necessarily result in the death of a tree, but some damage can still occur. New emerged buds and leaves are the most susceptible to any damage. This new growth can turn brown or die back. Additionally, this can rupture the newly grown wood. This ruptured wood can open the tree to diseases. That can result in a gradual decline in your trees health.

The best way to combat this is to make sure you’re tree is healthy. A healthy tree will be able to best handle the fluctuating weather that winter can provide. Mulching your tree will provide it with essential nutrients and insulation from freezing temperatures. Pruning any dead or disease wood is also very crucial in maintaining the health of your tree. This will greatly prevent any diseases from invading and spreading through the tree.