You might think your trees and shrubs hibernate during the winter months, and then they are all rested and ready to wake up come springtime.
But cold winters can have a substantial impact on trees and shrubs, especially as they prepare for spring growth.
Sure, dormancy is a tree’s natural defense against the freeze, but prolonged cold, late frosts, and unexpected temperature swings can disrupt this state and even delay the vibrancy of spring growth. You might be asking yourself, “Does cold temperature affect plant growth?” or “How does temperature affect plant growth?” The answers are yes — in more ways than one.
Let’s explore how cold weather impacts plant growth and what you should look for in terms of damage and recovery.
Damage to New Spring Growth
How does cold weather affect plants? Winter damage to trees often goes unnoticed until spring when your tree and shrub buds finally start to open.
Damage to new spring growth can happen if cold weather hits just as buds are starting to develop, leading to noticeable signs of stunted growth, damaged leaves, or even plant dieback. What’s more is when trees and shrubs can’t complete a full cycle of growth, their overall health can suffer.
How will you see this? Deciduous trees may show buds that fail to open fully or leaf out inconsistently, while flowering shrubs may show reduced blooms or flowers that wilt prematurely.
Breaking Dormancy
Cold weather can be a double-edged sword when your trees and shrubs are coming out of dormancy.
Trees rely on dormancy to survive harsh winters, but warm spells in the middle of winter can trick plants into breaking dormancy too soon. This phenomenon is particularly concerning, as these early signs of growth are then left vulnerable to damage if the temperatures plummet again.
How does temperature affect plant growth when it comes to dormancy? Unpredictable temperature swings disrupt the dormancy cycle, weakening trees and forcing them to use up stored energy prematurely.
To help prevent premature dormancy breaks, late-fall mulching around the root zone can act as a layer of insulation for the soil, creating a more stable ground temperature that may help shield against these drastic swings.
Disrupts Plant Nutrient Intake
Cold weather also affects plant growth by impacting how roots absorb nutrients.
Even in winter, roots need to take in moisture and essential nutrients to prepare for spring. Freezing conditions restrict root function, causing limited nutrient absorption right when trees need it most. This nutrient deficiency can reduce a plant’s stored energy, further stunting its spring growth and bloom potential.
Ensuring proper hydration before the ground freezes can support nutrient uptake as much as possible. Additionally, how cold weather affects plant growth in early spring often depends on soil health and how well roots were able to store nutrients over winter.
Additional Winter Damage to Trees & Shrubs
You might see cold weather impacts on your plants physically, too. Some common issues that arise in winter include:
Frost Cracks: Rapid temperature drops can cause cracks in tree bark as it contracts too quickly.
Sunscald: Winter sun exposure can cause cells in the bark to overheat and die off when they can’t maintain heat overnight, resulting in sunscald.
Winterburn (Winter Desiccation): This occurs when evergreens lose water faster than they can absorb it from frozen ground, leading to dry, brown foliage.
Salt Damage: Salt used for de-icing can harm trees if your soil absorbs it or salt contacts the branches, leading to browning and dieback.
Snow & Ice Breakage: Heavy snow and ice can weigh down branches, causing breakage.
When it comes to how cold weather affects plants, ensuring your trees are well cared for in late fall can make all the difference. Proper watering, mulching, and structural pruning can help trees withstand the extremes of winter. A certified arborist can guide you through best practices — from how to prepare trees for winter to spotting symptoms of winter salt damage on trees. As the season changes, you can rely on this expertise to keep your home landscape healthy and resilient.
LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW TO PREPARE TREES FOR WINTER.
