As we look outside and see birds chirping and temperatures reaching into the high 70s and low 80s, it’s hard to believe that we were in the middle of a significant winter ice storm just a few weeks ago. Those five or six days felt like an eternity, and if you’re like us, you might have been more than a little worried about your live oaks and how to handle future tree care. On the outside, they seem to be doing just fine. But it’s important not to fall into the trap of viewing tree health solely from a cosmetic perspective.
To understand what we mean by that, we have to go back to a similar hard freeze in 2021. Back then, the Texas A&M Forest Service and other officials documented that many live oaks—which are known to be an incredibly resilient species—across North Texas were slow to leaf out that spring and showed delayed stress for months after the storm. Months later, many live oaks appeared lifeless.
What does that tell us? Injuries from winter ice storms, such as the one we just experienced, aren’t always visible.
And just because your trees look fine now doesn’t mean they aren’t stressed.
This begs the question: How should homeowners handle tree care moving forward? Let’s explore this in today’s blog post, including what’s going on inside your tree, when to prune or remove branches, and tips for keeping your live oaks strong throughout the year.
Tree Care: Damage From Extremely Cold Weather Doesn’t Show Up Right Away
Trees don’t always die back immediately after a winter storm. In many cases, damage shows up months later—at the top of the tree and even basal warts near the base of the trunk. As a result, it can take weeks, months, and even years for some trees to compartmentalize and seal up their wounds. Remember, rather than heal wounds like animals or even humans do, trees form physical and chemical barriers called “walls” to isolate and contain injuries or decay. Essentially, the “walls” surround it like a protective shell. In so doing, the damaged area is essentially protected, thus preventing it from spreading to healthy wood.
This is where we might “nerd out” for a second because there is so much going on internally to make all of this happen. At the heart of it is a process in which your trees move water through tiny tubes within the wood. These are called xylem vessels. Think of them like a continuous pipeline, and their job is to carry water and nutrients from the roots up into the rest of the tree.
When temperatures drop into the teens, as we experienced a few weeks ago, these tubes can freeze up … just like the pipes in your home. As you know, water expands when it freezes. This is harmful to your home and your trees.
In your tree’s case, air pockets known as embolisms form as temperatures warm and block water from moving through the xylem.
As a result, your tree begins to really suffer from top to bottom.
Your Trees Need Time To Recover After This Latest Winter Storm
It’s important not to rush into tree care. Since your live oaks don’t yet have a fully functional internal irrigation system, activities such as pruning too quickly, forcing growth, and applying fertilizer too early can exacerbate the problem.
So, what can you do instead?
- Let the tree leaf out naturally, even if it takes more time.
- Assess external damage in the spring or summer.
- Don’t rush pruning
- Manage how much water you’re giving the tree.
- Avoid high-nitrogen products.
- Monitor your tree and call a professional.
That last tip is the key. If you notice cracked bark, dead branch tips, fallen or broken branches, thinning canopies, and even delayed leaf-outs, your local tree service professional can help you make the right decision for your trees.
Sometimes, that may unfortunately mean removing a tree. Other times, it may mean strategic pruning. The bottom line is: don’t rush. Also, steer clear of anyone who insists on following a cookie-cutter approach.
After a winter ice storm or any other prolonged pattern of inclement weather, it’s important to tailor whatever you do next to that specific tree’s needs in that moment. That includes monitoring its growth patterns, overall health, and surrounding environment.
This is why you might see your tree guy:
- Make smaller and deliberate cuts versus large ones
- Address wounded areas where disease is setting in, possibly through tree removal
- Removing competing and clustered stems and branches
- Limiting unnecessary weight to prevent potential failure
- Correcting imbalances caused by leaning or uneven growth
- Strategically shortening long or heavy limbs to reduce storm damage
- Crown raising for clearance and safety
- Preserving a strong central leader or main scaffold branches
Our arborist team has several approaches to tree trimming and pruning, depending on each tree’s needs. That said, different tree species require different levels of care, so be sure to check with a reputable tree service professional before you start cutting.
Call Clean Edge Tree Service & Removal in Denton Today!!
When you search “tree service near me” or “tree service Denton” for your residential and commercial tree service needs, Clean Edge Tree Service & Removal in Denton, TX, should be your first call every time. We are family-owned and operated, and our arborists have proudly served Denton and the surrounding areas for many years. We have the equipment, experience, and technical know-how to safely and efficiently handle any tree scenario—from a downed tree in the middle of a storm to trimming a few branches, stump grinding, and removing trees that tower 83 feet in the air.
More importantly, we are licensed and insured. We pride ourselves on completing every job safely, efficiently, and with the cleanest edge you’ve ever seen. That said, tree work is a dangerous profession. Accidents can happen to the best of us, and without warning. If and when it does, you want the peace of mind knowing you won’t be left picking up the pieces.
We know you have options when it comes to your tree service and removal needs. There isn’t a tree in Denton that we can’t handle.
Call Clean Edge Tree Service & Removal today!
