Although winters in Ocean and Monmouth Counties can be mild, this season can be very taxing on trees. While coniferous trees seem to thrive in this weather, deciduous trees have a much more difficult time. Evergreen trees have needles which are much better at retaining water compared to the thin, papery leaves of deciduous trees. This is why evergreens retain their needles during the winter and others drop their leaves in order to go into dormancy. During this passive-state, the trunk is the number one defense mechanism a tree has. While effective, trunks can’t protect trees from everything. Winter can do some severe damage to trees, but expert tree service in Ocean County from Ben Bivins Tree Experts helps support trees all times of the year.
Snow and Ice Add Weight
With winter comes heavy precipitation. Not heavy in terms amount only, but also in regards to the weight of it. Snow and ice can add a considerable amount of weight to defenseless trees in the winter. Even smaller trees that are protected by a canopy of leaves during spring and summer are exposed to this danger. The added weight can easily snap limbs and branches on the low end of the damage spectrum, but can also uproot trees in the worst cases. This is why our pruning and trimming services are so important. We expertly remove damaged, dead, or otherwise at-risk limbs leaving only the strongest branches. We also do not stress the tree out by removing too many limbs at once or taking too many from one side. If your trees could use some TLC, give us a call today for tree service in Ocean County.
Sunscald is Not a Summer Concern
Sunscald sounds like something that would happen to trees during summer, but this is actually a winter concern. Younger trees and trees with thin bark are more susceptible to sunscald, but all trees are at risk of this type of damage. You have most likely seen a sunscald scar on a tree without realizing it. This happens on sun-facing sides of trunks whose temperatures can be in excess of 20° higher than the surrounding air temperature. Cells that should be dormant during winter turn on in the sunshine, but become damaged when temperatures drop at night. This results in darkened bark, cracks, calloused areas, and cankers. Trees that suffer sunscald often show the result of the stress with meager foliage and reduced growth overall.
Winter Weather Affects all Parts of a Tree
From the top of the canopy to the end of the root system, all parts of a tree are affected by the extreme weather of winter. High winds, heavy precipitation, and freezing temperatures can greatly impact trees resulting in heavy damage or even death. Trees actually lose moisture faster than they can intake it during winter even in a heavy snow fall. Dry branches are most likely to break and fall during winter storms. Have a professional assess your trees every fall to determine if any limbs should be removed prior to the stress of winter.
Roots really don’t like the cold. When soil temperatures drop under freezing, injury and death are not only possible, but likely. The best way to protect roots from this is to insulate the soil around trees. Mulch is great at this when applied correctly. The “Leave the Leaves” movement is also great for trees because leaf litter is an excellent insulator. Even snow coverage works to protect roots in this way.
Prevent Excessive Damage with Expert Tree Service in Ocean County
Expert tree service in Ocean County is just one way to help prevent major tree damage during winter. Keeping trees well-pruned, properly mulched, and treated for insects and diseases as needed gives trees a fighting chance at surviving the harsh weather of winter. Spring and fall are the best seasons to perform stressful services like limb removal. We also provide emergency tree services. If you find yourself in this worst-case scenario this winter, give us a call. Don’t let just anyone take care of your trees, contact Ben Bivins Tree Experts for experienced, professional tree service in Ocean County.
One of the best parts of fall are the gorgeous colors that deciduous trees show off. Colors that span a full range. Leaves go from green to yellow to orange to red until they turn brown and fall off. This month, we’re going to take a closer look at what makes leaves change color and what affects how vibrant or dull those colors are. If you need Monmouth County tree service any time of year, contact us! We serve all of Ocean County and Monmouth County.
How Do Trees Know It’s Fall?
Deciduous trees always know what time of year it is. When temperatures start to rise after winter, they know its spring and time to start growing leaves. Similarly, as days get shorter and temperatures drop, deciduous trees know it’s time to start storing nutrients for winter. Surprisingly, the most influential factor is not the temperature, but the sunlight. As there is less and less daylight, trees get the message that winter is coming. Part of the process of getting ready for their dormant season is to drop their leaves. This allows them to reduce their energy usage during a season when there are little nutrients to be absorbed.
What Causes Fall Colors?
The chemicals contained within the leaves is what gives them their color. During long spring and summer days, the chemical chlorophyll is what absorbs sunlight and gives leaves their green color. Once the tree knows that autumn is here, they begin to wall off their leaves to preserve energy. The breakdown of the chlorophyll is the first step of the color change. Other chemicals that are contained within leaves are carotenoids, anthocyanins, and tannins. These turn leaves all types of colors that are concealed by the presence of chlorophyll. Carotenoids give leaves yellow and orange color, anthocyanins turn leaves hues of reds and purples, and tannins are the last remaining chemical that turns leaves brown.
Influences on Fall Colors as Seen by Monmouth County Tree Service
The top three factors that affect the brightness or dullness of autumn trees are temperature, precipitation, and soil moisture. For the most vivid colors, the ideal conditions are lots of rain during spring and summer followed by a dry and sunny autumn. Slowly decreasing daylight in combination with cooler nights is what brings about a vivid fall show. A lack of moisture as seen in drought conditions can trigger trees to begin the fall process too soon. This results in leaves that fall from the tree before they go through a full color change process. Similarly, if temperatures drop too low, too fast, it can shock the trees into the same reaction and cause early leaf drop off severely stunting the display of fall colors.
Monmouth County Tree Service Lets Us Enjoy All the Fall Colors
While a trip to the mountains will give you the best view of fall foliage, even the trees in Monmouth County put on a show. The color palette of any place with broadleaf deciduous trees will change every fall. If you are looking to add a deciduous tree to your yard and want a specific fall color, check out this tree color list:
Aspen: Golden- Beech: Golden brown
- Birch: bright yellow
- Quaking Aspen: yellow
- Poplar: golden yellow
- Sugar Maple: orange-red
- Black Maple: glowing yellow
- Sweetgum: yellow, red, and purple
- Red Maple: bright scarlet
- Silver Maple: muted green
- Dogwood: purple-red
- Oaks: brown or russet
- Hickory: golden bronze
Find out more about our Monmouth County tree service and contact us when you’re ready to schedule your free estimate.