When winter arrives, most homeowners assume their trees shut down completely – like flipping a switch to “off” until spring.
In reality, trees don’t sleep.
They rest strategically.
Understanding what’s happening during winter can help you avoid common mistakes, spot problems earlier, and set your trees up for a stronger, healthier spring.
Dormancy Doesn’t Mean Inactivity
During winter, most trees enter a phase called dormancy. This is a protective state that helps them survive cold temperatures and conserve energy – but it’s not the same as being inactive or dead.
Above ground, growth slows or pauses… But below ground, a lot is still happening.
Roots can remain biologically active when soil temperatures allow, absorbing moisture and nutrients and maintaining the systems that support future growth. Think of winter as a strategic pause – not a shutdown.
Roots Are the Real Winter Workhorses
While branches are bare and lawns are dormant, roots are doing quiet, important work.
Healthy roots:
- Store carbohydrates needed for spring growth
- Maintain stability through freeze-thaw cycles
- Absorb water during warmer winter periods
- Prepare buds and vascular systems for leaf-out
This is why winter care decisions – like soil compaction, salt exposure, and traffic over root zones – can have lasting consequences well beyond the cold months.
Winter Is One of the Best Times to See Tree Problems
One of the biggest advantages of winter is visibility.
Without leaves, trained professionals can more easily identify:
Structural weaknesses
- Cracks or splits in trunks and limbs
- Poor branch attachment
- Signs of disease, decay, or past damage
- Storm stress that wasn’t obvious during the growing season
Many tree issues don’t start in spring – they just reveal themselves then. Winter observation helps catch problems earlier, often before they become emergencies.
Common Winter Mistakes That Hurt Trees
Well-intentioned actions can sometimes do more harm than good during winter.
Some of the most common mistakes we see:
- Shaking ice-covered branches (this can cause breakage)
- Piling snow mixed with salt near trees or turf
- Allowing heavy foot or equipment traffic over root zones
- Assuming damage can’t happen until spring
Winter stress often shows up months later – when homeowners least expect it.
Why Winter Care Sets the Stage for Spring
Spring tree health is largely determined by what happens before buds break
Trees that enter spring with:
- Undamaged roots
- Minimal salt exposure
- Stable structure
- Adequate stored energy
…are better equipped to leaf out evenly, resist pests and disease, and handle early-season stress.
In other words, spring success is earned quietly in winter.
A Smarter Way to Think About Tree Care
Tree care isn’t seasonal – it’s cyclical.
Each season builds on the last, and winter plays a critical role in long-term tree health. Paying attention now helps prevent reactive decisions later.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your trees, winter is often the best time to ask questions, observe changes, and get professional insight – before small issues grow into big ones.
