How Frost and Snow Impact Your Trees: And How to Protect Them
Winter in the UK can be challenging for even the hardiest trees. Frost, snow, freezing winds and fluctuating temperatures all take their toll — often leading to cracked branches, storm-damaged canopies, and weakened root systems. As professional arborists, Gus Bishop Tree Services helps homeowners protect their trees during the colder months with expert winter pruning, maintenance and emergency tree work.
In this guide, we explain how frost and snow can damage your trees and the best steps you can take to keep them healthy and safe throughout winter.
How Frost Affects Trees in Winter
Frost forms when moisture freezes on the surface of leaves, branches and bark. While some UK-native trees are adapted to cold weather, sudden drops in temperature can cause serious issues.
1. Frost Cracks on Tree Trunks
Rapid temperature changes cause the outer bark to expand and contract quickly, leading to long vertical splits known as frost cracks. These cracks make trees more vulnerable to disease, pests and structural weakness.
2. Damaged Buds and New Growth
Late-autumn or early-spring frost can kill young buds, reducing next season’s growth and affecting flowering and fruiting trees.
3. Frost Lift in the Soil
Frozen ground can push young trees upwards, loosening root systems and reducing stability.
How Snow Can Damage Your Trees
When heavy, wet snow settles on branches, it can cause breakage, bending and structural stress.
1. Broken Branches from Snow Load
Snow accumulation adds significant weight, especially on evergreen trees, which hold onto their foliage all year.
2. Split Forks and Cracked Unions
Trees with weak branch unions or narrow forks are more likely to split under snow weight.
3. Leaning Trees Caused by Uneven Snowfall
Strong winds during snowstorms can push snow-laden branches to one side, causing trees to lean or uproot.
4. Damage to Hedges and Shrubs
Dense hedging plants such as Leylandii, privet or laurel often trap snow, leading to sagging and broken limbs.
How to Protect Your Trees from Frost and Snow
Proactive winter maintenance dramatically reduces the risk of winter tree damage. Here are the most effective steps homeowners can take.
1. Mulch Around the Base of Trees
A 5–7cm layer of woodchip mulch insulates the soil, stabilising temperature and protecting roots from freezing.
2. Winter Tree Pruning
Removing weak, dead or overcrowded branches reduces the chance of breakage during snow or wind.
Winter is often the best time for tree pruning, especially when trees are dormant.
3. Install Tree Supports and Bracing
Staking young trees and bracing vulnerable branches helps them withstand strong winter weather.
4. Gently Remove Snow from Branches
Use a soft broom to lightly brush snow away. Never shake branches, as this can cause them to snap.
5. Protect Sensitive Trees with Wraps or Fleece
Fruit trees, palms, olives and other tender species benefit from winter tree wraps, hessian, or fleece.
6. Schedule a Professional Tree Inspection
A qualified arborist can identify hidden weaknesses before winter storms hit — the safest way to prevent costly damage.
Signs Your Tree Needs Professional Winter Care
Contact an expert tree surgeon if you notice:
Cracks or splits in the trunk
Overhanging or dangerously low branches
Leaning trees or exposed roots
Excessive deadwood
Snow-bent branches that won’t spring back
Bark peeling or frost cracks
These are warnings that your tree may be at risk of falling or suffering long-term damage.
Why Choose Gus Bishop Tree Services for Winter Tree Care?
At Gus Bishop Tree Services, we help homeowners protect their gardens from harsh winter weather with:
Winter tree pruning and maintenance
Storm-damage tree work
Emergency tree removal
Hedge trimming
Tree inspections and safety reports
Professional stump removal
Our qualified, fully insured team provides reliable, expert tree care across the local area — keeping your home safe throughout the winter months.
Book Your Winter Tree Care Service Today
Winter is the ideal time to look after your trees before the weather causes costly damage.
If you need winter pruning, tree inspections, or emergency tree work, the team at Gus Bishop Tree Services is here to help.
Contact us today for a free quote and fast, professional service.
