When do trees go dormant? Understanding this simple fact can save you a lot of distress over many years of gardening. In this post, 3 Dads Tree Service, Crescent City’s trusted tree service, explains more about trees entering dormancy.
It’s Perfectly Natural
It’s a good time for deciduous trees to shed their leaves during the fall or during hard times. Some people see the bare branches and believe their tree is dead when it’s merely conserving its resources. For those not experienced in tree care, they can find it challenging to tell if the plant is dormant or dead.
Is the Tree Dead?
Most of the time, if the leaves change color and fall off, your tree’s fine. However, if the leaves wither on the stems, it usually means a bad sign. You should scratch into the bark of the branch you plan to check. If it’s green and moist inside, the tree’s alive.
If the branch seems dry and brittle, you should repeat the test on another branch. The branch should be flexible with green tissue on the inside. If you find it brittle, it’s dead. If you notice soft places, it’s rotting—another bad sign. Pay attention to any splitting bark, which can indicate disease or insect infestation.
Also, look for signs of wood-boring insects. These include tiny holes and mud tubes. Tear away a little of the bark, and you’ll see the insects inside.
If you suspect your tree is dead, call us to perform a risk assessment as soon as possible.
Why Do Trees Go Dormant?
You can think of a tree’s leaves as mini solar panels. Each leaf works at high efficiency to capture sunlight and use it as an energy source. The leaves draw nutrients and moisture from the roots and, through photosynthesis, convert them into sugar.
This sugar fuels further growth, and the roots store any excess the tree makes. In winter, when the days become shorter, and water proves more scarce, it makes more sense for the tree to shed its leaves. By doing so, it reduces the surface area over which water can evaporate. The tree slows down its growth cycle to preserve the sugars it stored during spring and summer.
As further evidence of how clever nature is, the leaves flutter to the ground, creating a natural mulch. This layer slowly decomposes, releasing nutrients back into the soil.
When the temperatures warm up, the tree wakes up feeling refreshed and ready for another season of hard work. They stretch out their branches and wiggle their roots to get growing again.
How Dormant Are the Trees?
It’s tempting to think of trees undergoing a type of hibernation, but that’s not entirely accurate. You simply don’t see the activity beneath the surface. The roots will continue to grow and look for water sources, albeit at a slower pace, while the visible parts might require attention, such as treating brown spots on tree leaves.
Need Help With Your Trees?
Now that you know the answer to “When do trees go dormant?” Do you need us to assess one of your plants? Are you considering backyard tree removal or other projects you need an arborist for? Call 3 Dads Tree Service (707) 506-6602 to schedule a professional consultation today!