It is fair to say we are not experiencing a “normal” Minnesota winter -- weeks of subzero temps and multiple feet of snow -- which is, for the most part, a good thing. However, this warmer winter may be causing other issues.
According to an article from KARE 11, Lee Frelich, the director of the University of Minnesota Center for Forest Ecology, said that the weird winter may not be good for trees. Frelich says that trees may also be in trouble because they could mistake the warmer temperatures for spring and come out of their dormant state. The light snowfall this winter means little to no insulation for the roots.
"The roots of trees are not anywhere near as cold tolerant as the above-ground part of the tree,” Frelich said.
Frelich added that a good thing about the winter is that melting snow and rain led to more water being absorbed into the ground. He concluded that we won't know until this spring if the abnormal winter has done more harm than good. Winter can be challenging for trees and other vegetation. According to the University of Minnesota Extension Office’s website, the sun, wind and frigid temps can damage bark, branches and roots. They can even bleach evergreen foliage. They are also more prone to damage from wildlife since rodents and deer rely more on trees for food in the winter months.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources put together a list of tips to help your trees survive and thrive through the winter.
● Mulch and water. Mulch helps insulate the tree roots and prevent new roots from forming and “girdling” the tree. The DNR recommends the rule of three for adding mulch. “3-inch layer of mulch at least 3 inches away from the trunk and about 3 feet in diameter.”
● Keeps things like tall grass, brush piles, tarps or water bags away from the trees to prevent wildlife from using them as nests. “Rodents and rabbits browse on trees and shrubs as a regular part of their diet.” Also, adding fencing around the tree will eliminate wildlife near the trees.
● Wrap young trees. Due to little to no leaves, trees are most susceptible to sunscald which is when “the sun can heats up the bark which stimulates activity, then, if a cloud, hill or building blocks the sun, the bark temperature drops rapidly, which kills the active tissue.”
The DNR also recommends getting in touch with a certified arborist about pruning since there is a lower risk of disease transmissions, like oak wilt, in winter. Carr’s Tree Service has many arborists who are more than qualified.
“They (trees) help clean our air, reduce our electric bills and enhance our surroundings, to name a few,” said Nikki Henger, the DNR’s Forestry Division outreach specialist, in an article from the
DNR’s website. “Supporting our yard trees during the winter months will help set the stage for them to thrive in the summer.”