Being able to spot signs of mild tree damage and knowing how to protect your trees during a warm winter can help mitigate any damage caused by the disruption.
Temperatures are rising in the United States, and a lot of regions are experiencing fewer hard freezes and much shorter winters. With milder winters, trees can miss crucial chilling hours and alter their interactions with cues that traditionally happen during dormancy. This disruption could have long-term consequences. Being able to spot signs of mild tree damage and knowing how to protect your trees during a warm winter can help mitigate any damage caused by the disruption. Read on to learn more!
How Trees Go into Dormancy and Why This Matters
Dormancy is important for a tree’s survival. It allows trees to conserve energy and protect themselves from harsh winter conditions. There are three different stages of dormancy which are acclimation, deep dormancy, and deacclimation. Accumulation is the preparation period when trees make the necessary adjustments, such as leaf drop, to prepare for winter. Acclimation usually starts in early fall when days become shorter and the temperatures drop. Deep dormancy happens during the winter and is the period when trees go into a “deep sleep” to accumulate a specific amount of “chill hours.” Chill hours occur when temperatures fall below a specific threshold it helps trees survive the deep frosts of winter by avoiding any premature development during the winter thaws.
What Warm Weather in the Winter Disrupts
Warm winters, which alter dormancy in trees, could cause serious damage. If dormancy is delayed, trees do not shut down correctly. If interrupted, trees could experience premature bud swell during the winter. Reduced chilling hours could cause flowering or fruiting trees not to bloom properly. An early exit from dormancy will increase the risk of freeze injury when temperatures do drop again.
What Arborists Look for and What Long-Term Adaptation Might Look Like
Since dormancy is a crucial part of a tree’s lifecycle, it is normal to wonder, “Can trees adapt to warm winters?” With proper warm winter tree care, the answer is always yes. Diversity is the name of the game for a long-lasting landscape. Be cognizant of the hardiness zone, since it might shift over time. Picking resilient species while planting could also help your trees survive any shifting weather conditions, along with correct plant health care and soil care programs. Your local certified arborists from Harford Tree have the knowledge and expertise to help address changing dormancy with your trees. They can spot bud swelling during inspections, determine the cause of repeated lower flower production, treat injuries from warm winters, and also boost root health in your trees.
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.