Winter tree damage isn’t always readily apparent. Depending on the type and extent of the damage, it’s even possible to miss it entirely until things begin to melt. For certain types of tree damage, spotting it early can give you an opportunity to mitigate further injury to your trees. Maier Tree and Lawn recommends increasing your awareness this winter and reaching out if any of these signs are appearing on your Winona, MN trees.
Look for Winter Tree Damage
Visual indicators of winter tree damage can be difficult to spot, depending on the amount of snow and ice layered on your trees. It is important to perform visual checks whenever opportunities arise. Generally speaking, you’re looking for cracks in the bark or trunk that you haven’t seen before, brown spots on evergreens and trees that sport winter foliage, and any other discoloration. This is also a good time to check for signs that local wildlife has been attacking your trees. Bite marks or scrapes near the base are noteworthy as well.
Listen for Tree Damage
Even if you’re unable to see anything obvious, you’ll still want to keep your ears open through the coldest parts of winter. Depending on how severe the temperature drops are, it’s possible to hear the wood on your trees bending, cracking, or, in severe cases, busting. The latter is more common in trees that aren’t native to Minnesota, but when the temperature rises and drops rapidly, it’s still a possibility. If you hear your trees creaking or crackling in the cold, it’s a sign that you may need a check-up down the line.
Let us Help with Your Tree Damage
Whether you’ve spotted winter tree damage yourself or have simply heard something suspicious from one of your trees, it’s always a good idea to leave in-depth tree damage inspections to the professionals. Winter tree damage can lead to instability in branches or even trunks, depending on the severity of the damage. Our teams at Maier Tree and Lawn know how to handle winter tree damage safely and can even help you make a plan to mitigate different types of tree damage on your property.
If your Winona, MN trees are exhibiting signs of tree damage, or if you’d like to make a winter tree damage plan that is tailored to your property, we can help. Residents can contact Maier Tree and Lawn today at (507) 218-8777 or visit our website for more information or to request a free consultation.
