Do Tree Roots Freeze in Winter? 5 Causes Behind the Issue
As that winter chill begins to descend and ice crystals decorate window panes, you’ll likely find Edmontonians preparing for the frigid temperatures by bringing heavy winter coats out of storage, cleaning gutters of autumn leaves or ensuring their windshield scrapers are at the ready. But what of those living beings that can’t warm up by the woodstove or hide behind closed doors for warmth? Do you worry that your tree roots are vulnerable to freezing in winter? This is a question our Edmonton arborists aim to answer in the blog post below.
So, do tree roots freeze in winter? It’s an important question that plagues many Edmonton homeowners. In this local blog, our arborists from Trusty Tree Services will explore the common causes behind frozen tree roots and what you can do to help mitigate the issue and protect your trees from Jack Frost. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
5 Common Causes Behind Frozen Roots
1. Temperature Dips
Though tree roots are exposed to winter winds and ice-cold temperatures, they are relatively safe below ground. This is because snow acts as a blanket and insulates tree roots, preventing the danger of frozen roots. However, in northern geographical climates like Edmonton, which are prone to extreme cold and polar vortexes, you’ll find your roots more vulnerable to freezing. When tree roots are shallow, for example, or there isn’t much snow on the ground and soil temperatures fall below -5C, you will likely have frozen tree roots on your hands.
2. Frost Heaving
Strictly low temperatures aren’t the only factors that can cause frozen roots during winter root activity. When you ask yourself, “Do tree roots freeze in winter?” you may want to consider temperature fluctuations. Just as cold temperatures can be detrimental to roots, so can warm temperatures. When temperatures oscillate frequently, it can cause soil to expand and contract, leaving roots vulnerable to cold air and resulting in frozen roots, compromising your tree’s health.
3. Dry Conditions
Edmonton has a fairly dry local climate with low humidity. In dry conditions, the soil has a harder time retaining moisture and nutrients, allowing cold temperatures to penetrate your tree’s root system easier and faster. Trees and other plant life rely on water as a natural antifreeze. Dry conditions will inhibit trees’ ability to produce this natural protectant, and before you know it, you have frozen roots on your hands, answering the question in your mind, “Do tree roots freeze in winter?”
4. Young Tree Root Growth
Residents should know that trees in their youth are especially susceptible to frozen roots when they ask, “Do tree roots freeze in winter?” This is because roots are less established, making them more vulnerable to tree root damage. With thinner bark, lower energy reserves, and reduced hardiness against harsh conditions, you may find your young tree roots easily susceptible to freezing.
5. Improper Planting
When trees are planted improperly, they become victim to many dangers. For example, planting tree roots that are too shallow will make them more easily accessible to cold air. Other dangers resulting from improper planting include poor soil preparation and aeration, insufficient mulch around tree roots, inadequate watering during the growing season or planting in a location not conducive to growth.
What Happens to Tree Roots in Winter? Solutions to the Question “Do Tree Roots Freeze in Winter?”
Now that you are well-informed on some of the common causes of frozen roots and a resounding yes answers the question, “Do tree roots freeze in winter?”, you may be wondering what you can do to prevent the issue. Luckily, there are many preventative measures you can take to combat this problem before it arises. Some of these protective measures include:
Placing Rocks Around Saplings
Since young roots are susceptible to cold, a thick blanket of snow might not cut it when it comes to root protection. Instead, place three large rocks around the base of the trees for more efficient insulation and protection.
Filling Soil Cracks
One of the simplest measures to protect your roots is simply filling in any cracks that have appeared in your soil with fresh, aerated soil. By filling these fissures, cold air will be prevented from penetrating the root zone.
Maintaining Snow Cover
There’s not much you can do about snow melt, but when your yard is blanketed with a healthy amount of snowfall, ensure that your tree bases are well covered, thus preventing frozen roots.
Prevent Soil Disturbances
Whenever possible, avoid digging or upending your landscape around or near the base of your trees. Digging will disturb soil insulation and leave your roots vulnerable to winter temperatures.
Windbreaks
To protect your shrubbery and trees from damaged roots via harsh, winter winds and the cold accompanying them, create barriers around your trees for an added layer of protection.
Do Tree Roots Freeze in Winter? Yes! But Trusty Tree Services Can Help Edmonton Residents Take Care of It
Now that you know the common causes behind frozen roots and the proactive steps you can take to help prevent the issue, you may be interested in enlisting the services of an Edmonton arborist for further help! Allow the arborists at Trusty Tree Services to step in for all your trees needs! We’re more than happy to provide a wide range of services when your trees are in trouble, such as tree removal, tree pruning, tree trimming, deep root tree fertilization, stump grinding and more. Our local professionals have the years of experience and expertise you require to tackle a wide range of issues and answer the question, “Do tree roots freeze in winter?”
If you’re still not convinced why you should choose Trusty Tree for service, check out our 5-star reviews! You’ll see the difference we’ve made for many homeowners and trees in Edmonton and the surrounding areas.
Contact us at 780-860-5500 today to book reliable services when you wonder, “Do tree roots freeze in winter?” We’ll be there to take care of your precious copses throughout winter’s most bone-cold conditions and prevent frozen roots from occurring.