Winter in the DC metro area, Maryland, and Northern Virginia doesn’t stay cold for long. We bounce from freezing temperatures to sunny 50-degree days – sometimes all in the same week.
While this feels like classic Mid-Atlantic weather, it creates serious stress for your trees.

In our last blog, we talked about salt exposure and winter watering. Now, we’re covering the other winter challenges your trees face, ones that many homeowners never notice until spring damage shows up.

Here’s how freeze–thaw cycles, fluctuating moisture levels, and late-winter storms affect your landscape and how you can help protect your trees before warmer weather returns.

How Freeze–Thaw Cycles Damage Trees

When temperatures rise above freezing in the day and drop below freezing at night, moisture expands and contracts inside tree bark. This can lead to:

1. Frost Cracks (“Southwest Injury”)

You may see long vertical cracks in the bark, usually on the southwest side, where the winter sun warms the trunk.

2. Bark Splitting

Rapid temperature shifts can cause the bark cells to expand and rupture.

3. Reduced Cold Tolerance

Sudden warm-ups can “wake up” tree tissue too early, making it vulnerable to the next freeze.

These injuries often appear in late winter and can weaken your tree heading into spring.

Winter Drought: The Silent Stressor

Even during cold weather, trees lose water through their needles and branches. When the soil is frozen or dry, roots can’t replace that moisture which leads to winter drought.

This is especially common with:

• Arborvitae
• Hollies
• Junipers
• Spruce
• Newly planted trees

Signs of winter drought include:

• Browning tips on evergreens
• Needles dropping earlier than usual
• Patchy spring growth
• Dieback at branch tips

Good winter hydration reduces these risks dramatically but many homeowners assume trees don’t need water when it’s cold.

Late-Winter Storms: The Final Punch

March is one of the most challenging months for trees in the DMV. Heavy, wet snow and ice often accumulate when trees are already stressed.

Common late-winter storm issues include:

• Split limbs
• Bending evergreens
• Broken leaders on young trees
• Snow load damage

What makes it worse? Trees that are already weakened by salt, drought, or frost cracks.

What Homeowners Can Do to Reduce Winter Stress

1. Continue Deep Watering on Warm Days

If temps hit 40°F+ and soil isn’t frozen, give your trees a slow, deep soak.
This is especially important after cold, dry stretches.

2. Refresh Mulch

A 2–3″ layer helps regulate soil temperature and retain moisture.
Keep mulch pulled back from the trunk.

3. Inspect Tree Trunks for Frost Cracks

Small cracks can be monitored; larger ones may need professional care.
Call Titan Tree Care if you’re unsure.

4. Avoid Knocking Snow Off Branches

This can actually break frozen limbs.
If ice is present, let it melt naturally.

5. Schedule a Late-Winter Arborist Inspection

This is the best time for Titan Tree Care to look for:

• Structural weaknesses
• Damage hidden under snow
• Pruning needs before spring growth
• Storm-risk branches

A quick winter assessment can prevent property damage and help your trees enter spring healthier and stronger. And when in doubt, the ISA-Certified Arborists at Titan Tree Care are here to help guide, assess, and protect your landscape year-round.