Mid-Winter Tree Check In

By the time the temperature has consistently changed so that we don’t have those hot days with a random cold day mixed in, it is time to check your trees for how they are handling the cold weather. This will ensure the trees health through the even colder months. We will walk you, step by step, through how to make sure your trees are still, and will remain, healthy. Of course, as Southern States explains, a lot of your success in winter depends on how you prepare your trees.

After all, it isn’t just a long nap, it’s a time for them to grow stronger and more beautiful.

1. Start from the Ground Up

A tree’s strength comes from the roots. There are two types of roots: anchoring roots and absorbing roots. Anchoring roots do exactly what it sounds like, they hold the tree into the group and upright. The absorbing roots siphon water and nutrients from the soil. Problems come when the anchoring roots start to rot and decay. Make sure to check those roots for any signs of trauma.

So where do you check? The ground and soil surrounding the base of the tree. Pull any ivy or other climbing vines away from the base, as they often camouflage trouble areas. Check for cracked or raised soil, as this is a sign that the tree is leaning. Also check for fungal growth (mushrooms) on or near the trunk. If you see fungal growth, call an arborist immediately – one ice story or heavy rainstorm can send it tumbling.

2. Trunk Inspection

Working your way up naturally, check to see what the trunk of the tree looks like. The entire tree can split if there are cavities or cracks in the trunk. However, having a cavity doesn’t always indicate a problem. Check the depth of the cavity or hollow, it goes in fairly deep, then you may have problems.

You will also want to look for places on the trunk where it is bald or missing bark. This can indicate that there is a dead section or a fungus present. If you see a long strip of missing bark, that could indicate a lightning strike.

Montana State University warns that, in winter, insects try to find a home in the trunk of any available tree. Check for sawdust shavings, as they often indicate ants boring into already decayed wood.  Insects don’t always mean you need to have the tree cut down, and there are preventative steps you can take.

3. Double Check Multi-Stemmed Trunks

Trees that grow two or more trunks need to be checked extra thoroughly, as they are sometimes weaker than other trees. A tight V-shape between the branches shows an especially weak part of the tree. You might even want to tie a cord around the two trunks, just in case there are any storms with high winds or building ice.

4. Branch Inspections

The most obvious thing to look for when inspecting your trees mid-winter, is the dead, fallen branch. But you should also check branches that are still hanging. To spot dead wood, look for something that is just a little lighter than the other branches or that is completely devoid of bark. On a pine tree, the needles will be completely brown.

If you see anything that you think if problematic, give our Huntsville tree removal experts us a call at (256) 513-6277. It is important to get trees looked at during winter before the weather gets too rough, as that’s when you hear the horror stories.

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