It’s no secret that most trees lose their leaves and appear dead or dying in the winter, only to develop a full, lush bloom in the spring and summer seasons. Though trees may seem ill or barren once temperatures drop, they’re not dead. So, how do trees survive winter?
Arbor Image Tree Care offers premier tree services in Nichols Hills, OK. We know how confusing a tree’s life cycle can be, so review our guide below to learn more about their winter survival tactics.
Evergreen vs. Deciduous Trees
Before learning how trees survive in the winter, it helps to know the difference between deciduous and evergreen specimens. Deciduous trees have leaves that experience seasonal leaf shedding in the fall. This variety includes:
- Birches
- Oaks
- Maples
- Willows
Conversely, evergreens, like spruces, pines, and firs, have leaves or needles that stay green all year. They don’t shed leaves like deciduous trees.
Regardless if you have deciduous trees or evergreens on your property, knowing the proper seasonal maintenance tips will help you prepare your trees for winter and keep them healthy.
Ways Trees Protect Themselves in the Winter
So, how do trees survive winter in Oklahoma? Deciduous and evergreen trees have different mechanisms to prepare them for winter.
They Shield Themselves With Protective Bark
A tree’s first line of defense against cold temperatures, snow, and ice is its bark. Tree bark insulates the plant’s inner tissues and may help disperse heat by reflecting light, depending on its color and texture. Unfortunately, the tree’s water retention can freeze below the bark, then thaw and refreeze, leading to bark damage called frost cracking.
They May Shed Leaves
The reason deciduous trees lose their leaves in the fall is to reduce water loss in the winter. However, evergreens with needles don’t have to shed because needles retain water better than leaves.
For property owners, planting trees in fall can also help trees establish strong roots and prepare for the challenges of winter weather.
They Enter a Dormancy Phase To Conserve Energy
Most trees enter a dormancy phase in the winter because the change in sunlight hours means fewer opportunities for the plant to make food or energy using photosynthesis. During dormancy, trees manage energy conservation with a reduced metabolism. Its essential nutrients go to the tree’s root system, where they remain throughout the winter.
They Become Tolerable of the Cold on a Cellular Level
Cold temperature adaptation occurs on a cellular level. Over time, trees become tolerant to declining temperatures to a certain degree.
A tree’s cellular changes include dehydration, shrinkage, and a glass-like hardening. The changes help keep the plant’s living, healthy cells from damage due to the freezing temperatures. In many cases, they reach their adapted tolerance level by the middle of winter.
Turn to Arbor Image Tree Care and Improve the Health of Your Trees
After learning the answer to “How do trees survive winter?” don’t hesitate to contact our experts at Arbor Image Tree Care for professional tree care services. As a leading tree care services provider serving Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, our experienced crew offers everything from tree health and nutrition services to tree pruning and removal.
We’ll ensure your tree-scape stays healthy all year long, so contact us today online or call (405) 815-7959 for a consultation.