Tuesday, January 8, 2013

5 Concerns for Tree Well-Being in the Winter


Humans are lucky in that we are able to put our lives on hold during the winter season. Many people tend to spend the time indoors and wait out the worst of the unforgiving temperature and violent conditions. However, that does not mean that the world outside stops.
The beautiful trees that decorate our yards and lawns are under severe distress during a harsh winter season. Particular care must be taken to protect the health and longevity of trees. The following are some points of concern for healthy tree service during a frigid winter.
Exposure
Trees that are in residential neighborhoods often have it much harder during the winter than trees that are in the woods or forests. That is because, despite the potential for landscaping services to maintain their health and integrity, these trees are far more exposed to the elements than if they were in the wild. Imagine standing alone in a cold field versus standing in a cold field surrounded by a crowd. More bodies and more life mean more insulation. Exposed trees are forced to take the full brunt of wind and frost, placing them in a particularly dangerous situation.
Drought
Just because there is ice, doesn't mean there is water for the tree. If a frost is severe enough, a tree will be unable to extract water from the ground. Especially in early spring, when the sun heats up the upper branches of a tree but the ground beneath is still frozen solid; drought is a very real and very damaging concern for trees in the winter.
Branch Damage
The frost and lack of moisture can make deciduous trees quite brittle during the winter. This makes them highly susceptible to wind damage which can cause them to break off and fall; harming the tree and endangering your family and property. If the worst happens, you'll need a tree removal or landscaping service to help clean up the debris, and make sure there is no further danger from the tree's compromised structural integrity.
Tree Service
Make sure that your landscaping service and pruning are well thought out before the winter season. Pruning a young tree will promote growth and health; however, if you prune too late in the season, a young tree could go dormant and be left exposed when a frost hits. Defer to a professional if you're unsure about the timing, it could mean life or death for your young tree.
Wildlife
Everything does what it can to survive in the winter; wildlife and rodents are no exception. When food and water is scarce, squirrels, rabbits, and chipmunks will often eat the bark off the bottom of a tree. This exposes the inner wood of a tree to the cold, and can make retaining water harder. There are several nonlethal ways to prevent this, including spray repellants and wire or mesh enclosings around the tree base to deter critters.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7411764

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