Heavy snow and ice, as well as frozen soil conditions, can damage trees and shrubs in residential landscapes. Even areas without major snowfall experience high winds and huge fluctuations in temperatures during winter. Homeowners can lessen the adverse effects of winter weather on trees and shrubs with preventive maintenance.
Discover how to mitigate winter stress on trees with expert pruning, care techniques, and preventive measures to keep your landscape thriving through harsh winters.
Addressing Winter Stress on Trees Through Pruning
Avoiding Tree Damage
“Tree branches can break when the added weight of ice and snow exceeds a tree’s strength,” says Dave Jackson, ISA* Certified Arborist and Arborist Rep with Cutting Edge Tree Professionals. “The likelihood of a tree or branch failing can be reduced with pruning to promote proper tree form and structure and to remove potentially hazardous limbs. When pruning alone isn’t enough to strengthen a tree, properly installed cables and bracing rods can add support to parts of a tree more likely to fail.” Proper pruning when trees are young promotes the formation and growth of the strongest possible branches and branch attachments.
Winter is a good time to prune “Most skilled arborists prefer pruning when trees are dormant,” says Jackson. “With no leaves on the trees, the arborist is better able to evaluate tree form and spot things like co-dominant leaders and poor branching angles and attachments. Winter is also a good time to prune trees since it can be easier to note the presence of dead or damaged branches.” In addition, since the ground is frozen, damage to the turf beneath the tree due to falling limbs and other tree care activities is negligible.
In cases of moderate storm damage, restoring a tree to its former health and beauty may take some time, but it can generally make a full recovery. Broken, hazardous limbs should be removed immediately. Pruning to remove broken stubs and restore the balance of the crown can be put off, but shouldn’t be delayed more than one growing season.
Winter brings unique challenges to your garden; understanding and mitigating winter stress on trees can make all the difference.

Protecting Trees from Winter Stress on Trees: Sun Scald and Frost Cracking
Additional Winter Concerns
Winter winds cause evergreens to lose moisture from their needles. Even some deciduous trees suffer from winter drying, or desiccation. If water is not available as moisture is drawn from living cells, permanent damage can result. The best prevention consists of applying anti-desiccants to the foliage in late fall, primarily evergreens. Additionally, planting hardy species in areas with severe exposure, watering plants adequately in the fall, and properly mulching to insulate the soil and roots from severe cold can help trees withstand winter weather.
On sunny days in winter, a tree’s trunk and main limbs can warm up to 15 degrees higher than the air temperature. As soon as the sun’s rays stop reaching the stem when the sun sets, the tree’s temperature plummets, potentially causing freeze-thaw cracks or permanent damage to the bark. The two common types of injury from winter sun and temperature changes are sun scald and frost cracking. The effects of sun scald and frost cracking can be reduced by sound arboricultural practices to maintain overall health, and by covering the trunks of young, susceptible trees with tree wrap.
These are other things to consider when discussing winter stress on trees.
Other Recommendations to Improve Tree Health:
- Reduce soil compaction around trees to help improve water and air movement into the soil. This strengthens and allows the tree’s root system to grow.
- When planting, choose native/cold hardy trees for your area. They have a better chance for survival in severe weather conditions. Be sure to choose the “best” location and follow proper planting technique to ensure survival and growth.
- Only fertilize after a qualified arborist has assessed the tree’s health as well as the site and soil conditions.
- Hire an ISA* certified arborist. They will provide expert advice and have the experience, training, expertise and equipment to safely take down, prune or otherwise care for your trees this winter.
*International Society of Arboriculture
Wrap Up
In conclusion, by proactively managing winter stress on trees, you safeguard the health and beauty of your landscape for years to come. Remember, the key to success lies in understanding your trees’ needs and applying the right care at the right time. With the right strategies, you can turn winter from a season of stress into one of resilience for your trees.
By taking proactive steps to manage winter stress on trees, you’re ensuring that your trees not only survive but thrive.
Fill out our contact form or give us a call at 814-201-9757 today to help you mitigate winter stress on trees you care for.
Additional Resources:
https://www.arboristnow.com/news/caring-for-trees-in-the-winter

By Dave Jackson – Arborist Representative at Cutting Edge Tree Professionals
ISA Certified Arborist (PD-2982A) | ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified