How to Protect Young Trees from Winter Damage

Protect young trees from damage this winter! During the winter months, young trees are vulnerable to damage from cold weather and sun exposure. You may have seen trees with what looks like large gashes or cracks in their trunks; this is likely the result of the changing temperatures and sun exposure when it was young. If you have young trees and saplings that are at risk for damage, it is important to take steps to protect them this winter. Trees that are especially vulnerable to damage are:

• Those with smooth, thin bark.
• Trees that are in direct sunlight.
• Trees in especially cold climates.

These trees can become damaged when the sun warms the dormant cells on the tree’s outer layers until they deacclimate from their dormant state. Sap begins to flow, but then freezes and expands when nighttime hits. This can cause severe damage to the tree. The best way to keep your trees safe from winter damage is to wrap them carefully with tree wrap. Tree wrap will keep sun and moisture off the tree’s bark, protecting it from the most of the hazards of winter.

Learn more about how you can protect young trees from winter damage here: