We don’t think about our trees much in the winter, but how do they make it through this brutal season?
When all the leaves have fallen down, the snow starts to drape itself over idle cards and cover houses and driveways alike, trees will remain tall. Even in the midst of endless snow and dropping temperatures, trees are resilient and will make it through the cold. We don’t think about our trees much in the winter. In the fall, we marvel at the incredible colors of autumn that trees provide, and in the spring, they carry the first blooms of the season. By the winter, they become heavy under snow, and we rarely pay them any attention. You might be wondering how they survive in the winter. Read on to learn more!
Trees Respond Differently to the Winter Weather
During the fall, deciduous trees start transforming their leaves into rich reds, yellows, oranges, and more. This is in preparation for winter. While these colors are stunning, they signify that chlorophyll is starting to break down in the leaves, causing the colors to fade. As time passes, those leaves start to fall, providing a wide range of environmental benefits, like a protective layer for insects and infusing nutrients into the soil as they break down. But trees do this for one other reason: to help conserve energy and resources for the winter. Without their leaves, these deciduous trees expend less energy throughout the brutal winters, allowing them to make it through the spring. Without the leaves, these trees could reduce water loss, conserving moisture in the trunk and branches to help keep them from drying out.
Trees “Hibernate” During the Winter
Nature starts to slow down in the winter. In fact, a lot of animals curl up and sleep until spring arrives. Bears are some of the most well-known animals that spend their winters hibernating, and many trees do the same. As temperatures drop and snow falls, trees start slowing down. Deciduous trees, as we know, lose their leaves. Evergreen trees will keep their needles, but they begin to slow. For trees, this is known as dormancy.
Tree Bark Protects Them During the Winter
All trees have bark. Whether they’re deciduous or evergreen trees, they all have bark. In the winter, bark serves as a very important insulator for trees once the harsh temperatures hit. Think of bark as the puffed winter coat you bring out once the temperature plummets. It can help you insulate your body heat and keep warm even on the coldest days. The bark does the same for trees in the winter.
Tree Care and Maintenance from Harford Tree
Ready to have the beautiful yard you have always dreamed of? Harford Tree Experts & Landscaping, Inc has been in the business for decades, providing customers with quality work and quick responses all at the right price. We service the areas of Harford County, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City areas including Bel Air, Fallston, Perry Hall, Towson, Essex, Parkville, White Marsh and Middle River.
For service during business hours, reach out to us or give us a call at 410-592-7321. We offer 24/7 emergency service as well, just give us a call at 443-250-6649. For updates about our business and more informative tips, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.