The Most Common Winter Tree Problems We See in January (And How to Spot Them)

January is the month when Kansas City trees finally reveal what they’ve been hiding.
The early snow has fallen, the first round of freezing rain has passed, and the freeze–thaw cycles begin. This is when weaknesses that went unnoticed in fall start to show themselves.

Every winter, our team sees the same issues pop up across the KC metro and most of them are subtle until they suddenly become a big problem.

Here are the most common winter tree problems we find in January and how you can spot them from the ground.

1. Sagging or Drooping Limbs

Cold temperatures make wood less flexible. Add early snow or ice, and even healthy branches can sag temporarily.

But if a branch:

• Doesn’t bounce back
• Looks heavier than usual
• Sits lower than it did in fall

…it may be cracked internally.

In Kansas City, maple, birch, and Bradford pear limbs are especially prone to winter sagging.

2. Fresh Cracks and Splits

January is prime time for frost cracks.
When the trunk warms up in the sun during the day and freezes again at night, the bark expands and contracts often too quickly.

Look for:

• Long vertical cracks
• Bark peeling outward
• A distinct popping or cracking sound at night

These can lead to weakened structure and future decay.

3. Suddenly Noticeable Deadwood

Leaves hide dead limbs all summer.
But in winter, deadwood stands out sharply.

Signs include:

• Gray or brittle branches
• Bark that falls off easily
• Hollow-sounding limbs
• Branch tips that break with light pressure

Deadwood becomes extremely brittle in cold weather and can snap during even mild winter storms.

4. Leaning Trees or Shifting Trunks

Freeze–thaw cycles loosen soil around roots. Once the ground softens and refreezes repeatedly, the root system may shift.

If you notice:

• A new lean
• Soil rising on one side
• Exposed roots
• Cracking near the trunk base

…these are signs the tree may be unstable.

Trees leaning toward homes, driveways, or fences should be evaluated quickly.

5. Rubbing or Crossing Branches

Branches that rub together create friction wounds and winter makes this more noticeable.

Look for:

• Shiny or polished-looking bark
• Areas where two limbs touch
• Small wounds or missing bark

Rubbing limbs become weak failure points during storms.

6. Evergreens Bending or Losing Shape

Kansas City’s evergreens take a beating in winter.
Snow gets trapped deep inside the branches, and ice weighs down the upper canopy.

Watch for:

• A sweeping or drooping shape
• Branches pulled away from the trunk
• Gaps in the canopy
• The top leader bending or broken

These signs often mean structural stress.

7. Old Storm Damage Becoming More Obvious

Branches that were partially broken in previous storms often give out in January.

If you see:

• Split branch unions
• Hanging limbs 
• Cracks near old wounds

…they’re likely to fail during the next ice or wind event.

Why January Issues Shouldn’t Be Ignored

The tricky thing about January tree problems is how quickly they can escalate.
A branch that looks “a little heavy” today can snap tomorrow after light freezing rain.

This is one of the safest times of year for trimming and removals because:

• Trees are fully dormant
• Visibility is at its best
• Pests and diseases are inactive
• Frozen ground protects your lawn

Catching issues now prevents costly emergency removals later in winter.

Need a Professional Eyes-On Check This January?

Cartwright Tree Care has helped Kansas City homeowners navigate winter tree issues for 26+ years. Our arbor consultants can inspect your property, identify risks, and recommend the safest winter care plan, before the next storm rolls in.

If something looks “off” this month, we’re here to help.