When a tree partially freezes in the winter, there’s a risk that it could burst in the same manner that a frozen plumbing pipe might. This is because when water freezes, it expands. Since fluids are being carried throughout the tree, they will expand if frozen, causing the tree to burst. Fortunately, if this occurs, they may not be as damaged as you might think.
Source: FlickrFirst of all, a single tree can have tens of thousands of fluid channels, which means if one of them bursts, there are still plenty of others for the tree to rely on. These channels also happen to be quite small, which means that if one bursts, it may not cause that much overall damage to the tree. Trees are also softer and more flexible, which means the tree’s tissue can expand a bit before it bursts. Many tree cells will also get rid of water content as cold weather approaches to avoid this issue. Some trees will even produce more sugar, which will help to lower the freezing point of the water in the tree.
Don’t worry too much about your trees bursting. Contact Cartwright Tree Care for tree care services in Kansas City.