As temperatures fluctuate, trees and shrubs face risks from freezing and thawing, especially during cold nights followed by warmer sunny days. When materials, including soil and tree bark, contract in the cold and expand in the warmth, two common cold-related injuries can occur: frost heaving and winter bark cracking. This type of damage is often observed in shrubs and recently planted small trees. #WinterBarkSplitting #FreezeThawDamage #TreeCare Expansion and contraction due to temperature fluctuations can also lead to frost cracking. As the bark warms during the day, particularly on the southwest side, the outer layer expands, commonly causing damage on the south or southwest side. As the temperature drops with the setting sun, the outer layer cools and contracts faster, resulting in vertical cracks. These cracks may later attract decay fungi or become entry points for various borer insects. Understanding the impact of temperature on your trees enables you to identify potential issues before they escalate.
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