Frost Cracks & Frost Damage

Characteristics

Frost cracks are the result of freezing and thawing liquid in a tree. These cracks may heal in the summer only to reopen again in winter. Successive cracking and healing over years can result in the formation of prominent vertical rips on the trunks of affected trees. Frost cracks can act as sites of entry for insects and disease.

Frost damage occurs in late winter or early spring. Frost damage, is characterized by damage to newly emerging shoots or leaves following freezing temperatures.

Signs &Symptoms

Frost cracks appear as splitting on the trunks and branches of trees. Edges of the cracks usually have thin hanging pieces of outer tissue, but a ridge of live tissue is often present underneath. Cracks tend to form on the south side of bark, as this side of the tree is exposed to longer periods of sun during the winter months.

Frost damage may take a few days to become evident, and is usually characterized by browning of tender, new growth, particularly leaves and needles. Damage may look severe, but plants will usually recover quickly. Trees and shrubs have the ability to leaf out again if the initial growth is damaged or destroyed. Healthy, well established trees and shrubs will produce additional growth within a few weeks.

Treatment & Recommendations

Preventive maintenance such as watering during dry periods, should aid the recovery of trees and shrubs affected by frost damage. Fertilizer and proper plant nutrition can help provide trees and shrubs with the resources to bounce back after frost damage occurs. Wrapping coniferous plants in the winter can help prevent frost damage.

It can be difficult to prevent frost cracks from developing on some species with thin bark. An arborist can perform bark tracing to remove dead tissue at the edge of the cracks. Bark tracing creates an exposed, smooth edge of live tissue to aid in the sealing of a wound. It also removes habitat for insects and fungus.

If your tree appears to be suffering from frost related problems, one of our qualified arborists can asses your tree.