As winter starts to subside, the sun grows stronger, particularly late in February. Homeowners in Edmonton start noticing cracks or damaged patches on their trees. These cracks are not injuries or diseases caused by pest activity. Rather, they are a result of sunscald and frost cracking, which occur due to rapid temperature fluctuations during this time.
Suncald is a disorder in trees in which, during sunny winter days, the bark becomes warm, waking cells from dormancy. Again, when the night temperature drops sharply, the tissues begin to freeze and die. This sudden expansion and contraction ruptures cells, weakens bark, and forms vertical frost cracks on the trees.
With professional tree assessment in Edmonton, homeowners can understand these issues and take precautions to protect long-term tree health.
Mechanism of Injury: How Winter Temperature Fluctuations Damage Trees?
Sunscald and frost cracks occur due to the rapid freeze–thaw cycle. During tree health checks in Edmonton, professionals come across elongated dead patches on the tree trunk, which are caused by sunscald.
As mentioned above, during the daytime in the winter season, the sun’s rays warm and awaken the underlying tissues in the south side of the tree trunk. Again, when the temperature drops at night, these tissues freeze quickly. This thaw-freeze cycle damages the internal cells, leading to the discolored, dead patches.
Apart from sunscald, frost cracks are also visible as long vertical splits on the tree trunk. These splits open and close in response to temperature fluctuations. These injuries are commonly located on the South and South-west sides of the tree, which are exposed to the sun. They become more prominent toward the end of the winter.
Susceptible Species – Trees that are most at risk
Not all trees in Edmonton respond the same way to winter. Trees with thin bark are susceptible. Again, younger trees whose bark has not thickened with time are also at risk. Some of the commonly affected trees are:
- Maples (especially young or newly planted)
- Mountain Ash
- Apple and Oak trees
- Linden and ornamental species
With professional arborist assessment in Edmonton, it is possible to reduce the intensity of the damage. The arborists can identify whether the injury is superficial or something more serious.
Prevention and care – The most effective way to prevent sunscald and frost cracks
Protection before winter – this is unquestionably the best way to prevent these damages to trees. To prevent susceptible trees from being damaged, wrap them with breathable, light-colored tree wrap in late autumn.
This is a preventive process in which sunlight is regulated and trunk temperature is controlled. However, according to the arborists, these wraps should be removed in spring to prevent moisture buildup or pest infestations.
For the existing cracks, make sure that you do not use wound paint. Keep the tree healthy with proper watering and mulching. This allows the tree to form woundwood naturally around damaged areas.
Structural Assessment – When do the cracks become a concern?
Not all trunk cracks are cosmetic. Surface cracks do not require professional care; they will heal naturally. However, deep structural splits affect the tree’s stability. If you notice these signs, call an arborist:
- Crack widening with time
- separation of trunk sections
- Movement of a tree during strong winds
With proper cabling or bolting, these issues can be fixed. These interventions are important to prevent the tree from falling off. Late winter tree damage is common. However, when addressed properly, they do not cause fatal damage to the tree.
Noticed cracks in your tree trunk? Ensure it’s safe. Contact Trusty Tree Services for a structural assessment.
📞 Call us for a free estimate 780.860.5500
🔗 Visit our website to learn more https://devsolutionsfinder.com/trustytree/
Trusty Tree Services supports municipal and utility projects while delivering safe, efficient tree care to industrial, commercial, and residential clients in the Edmonton and surrounding area.
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- Post-Winter Tree Assessment: Identifying and Addressing Damage in Edmonton
- Common Causes of a Cracked Tree in Edmonton
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