As you probably know, the winter is a time of year when your trees are more exposed to harsh weather, such as rain, snow and ice. Some types of trees are incredibly vulnerable to these elements – especially ice. What you may not have known is that their vulnerability is often determined by the shape of their leaves.
Source: FlickrTrees that have leaves with a lot of surface area tend to be more vulnerable to ice. This is because they more easily collect rain and snow, which can end up freezing – adding weight to the branches and increasing the risk of the tree’s limbs breaking off. For example, Evergreen trees have a lot of surface area on their leaves. Live oaks have the same vulnerability even though oaks are known for their strength and durability. Deciduous trees are the least vulnerable since they lose their leaves in the fall. However, they can still be vulnerable to breakage if their general health is poor or they have been poorly maintained – meaning that they haven’t been properly pruned.
If you need tree care services in Kansas City during the winter, be sure to contact us at Cartwright Tree Care today.