Top Signs Your Tree Might Not Survive the Winter

Winter is a season of beauty — snow-covered landscapes, frosted branches, and cozy evenings by the fire. But for your trees, it can also be a season of survival. Between freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and strong winds, winter puts enormous stress on trees. While healthy, well-maintained trees often endure the season without trouble, those already struggling may not make it to spring.

The key to preventing disaster lies in early detection. Recognizing the signs that a tree is unhealthy or structurally unsound can save you from property damage, costly emergency removals, and the heartbreak of losing a tree you’ve grown with for years. At Tree Guys Tree Services, we’ve spent decades caring for local landscapes, and we’ve seen firsthand how quickly a compromised tree can become a hazard. 

1. Dead or Brittle Branches

One of the simplest ways to test your tree’s health is to check its branches. Healthy branches bend before breaking, and the inside of a twig should appear moist and greenish. If branches snap easily and reveal dry, brown wood, that’s a sign of dead tissue.

Why this matters in winter:

• Brittle branches can’t hold the weight of ice and snow.

• Dead branches are more likely to fall during storms, posing a safety hazard to your home, car, or family.

• A tree with widespread dieback may already be in decline.

2. Fungal Growth and Rot

Mushrooms growing at the base of your tree or fungal conks attached to the trunk aren’t just unsightly, they’re evidence of decay within. Fungi feed on decomposing wood, and if they’re thriving, it means parts of your tree are already dying.

Warning signs include:

• Large mushrooms or shelf-like growths on the trunk.

• Soft, crumbly, or spongy spots on the bark.

• Hollow sounds when you tap the trunk.

  
  

  In winter, decayed trees are especially dangerous because they lack the structural strength to handle snow loads or strong winds.

3. Peeling or Cracked Bark

Bark acts like a protective shield for trees. When it starts peeling off in large sections or cracking deeply, the tree becomes vulnerable to pests, disease, and further damage from the elements.

Horizontal cracks, called “frost cracks,” are common in winter when fluctuating temperatures cause bark to expand and contract rapidly. If your tree already has significant bark damage, frost cracks may worsen its condition beyond recovery.

4. Leaning or Unstable Trunk

A slight lean isn’t always cause for concern, but if your tree appears to be tilting more than usual, or if the soil around its base looks disturbed or heaved, the roots may be failing. Weak or damaged roots are less able to anchor the tree against winter winds or hold steady when the ground freezes.

Look for:

• Soil cracking around the base of the tree.

• Uprooted roots showing above ground.

• A recent shift in the tree’s angle.

An unstable tree in winter can quickly become a fallen tree.

5. Sparse, Brown, or Early Leaf Loss

Pay attention to how your tree looked at the end of summer and the beginning of fall. If it had:

• Thin, sparse foliage,

• Leaves turning brown well before autumn, or

• Sections of the canopy that never leafed out,

…it may already be struggling. Trees that enter winter in a weakened state have fewer energy reserves to make it through the stress of cold weather.

6. Signs of Pest Infestation

Insects love weak trees. Borers, beetles, carpenter ants, and other pests take advantage of stressed or dying trees, accelerating their decline.

Warning signs of infestation:

• Small, round exit holes in bark.

• Sawdust-like material (frass) around the base.

• Visible ants, beetles, or larvae.

• Strips of bark being peeled away by woodpeckers (often hunting for insects inside).

If pests have moved in, your tree may not survive the extra stress of winter.

7. Root Damage or Soil Problems

Since roots are mostly hidden, their health often gets overlooked. But a tree with damaged or compacted roots is already in trouble. Roots provide stability and essential nutrients, both of which are critical during freezing conditions.

Red flags:

• Standing water around the base (sign of root rot).

• Construction damage (soil compaction or cut roots).

• Poor drainage, leading to oxygen-starved roots.

Frozen soil compounds these issues, leaving a compromised root system unable to support the tree.

What Happens If a Weak Tree Faces Winter?

When unhealthy trees face snow, ice, and subzero temperatures, the risks increase dramatically:

• Broken limbs: Heavy snow and ice cause weak branches to snap.

• Property damage: Falling branches or uprooted trees can damage roofs, cars, fences, or power lines.

• Safety hazards: A falling tree poses a serious risk to anyone nearby.

• Permanent decline: Trees already stressed may not recover, even if they make it through the season.

How to Protect Your Trees Before Winter

The good news is, there are steps you can take to give your trees the best chance of survival:

1. Get a Professional Tree Inspection

A certified arborist can identify subtle issues you might miss, including internal decay, hidden pests, or root instability. Regular inspections are the best way to prevent surprises.

2. Prune Weak Branches

Pruning reduces the weight of snow on branches and eliminates dangerous deadwood. Proper pruning also improves airflow and sunlight, boosting tree health.

3. Mulch and Water Before Freeze

A layer of mulch around the base helps insulate roots from temperature swings. Deep watering before the ground freezes ensures trees have the moisture they need going into dormancy.

4. Fertilize Appropriately

Late fall fertilization replenishes nutrients and strengthens trees for winter stress.

5. Remove Hazard Trees

Sometimes, the safest choice is removal. If a tree is beyond saving, it’s better to remove it in a controlled way than risk an emergency during a storm.

Trust Tree Guys Tree Services to Keep Your Property Safe

Winter tree care isn’t just about keeping your yard looking neat, it’s about protecting your property, your safety, and your investment in your landscape.

At Tree Guys Tree Services, we specialize in:

• Tree health assessments

• Pruning and trimming

• Emergency storm prep

• Safe removals of hazardous trees

Don’t wait until the first snowstorm to find out your tree was in trouble. Call Tree Guys Tree Services today and let our experts ensure your trees are ready for the winter ahead.