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February’s Wild Temperature Swings: How Your Trees Respond
February in Houston can feel like a rollercoaster. One week might bring spring-like temperatures in the 80s, followed by a dramatic drop into the 40s the next week, only to bounce back into the 70s days later. These significant temperature fluctuations create unique challenges for our trees.
Understanding the Challenge
When temperatures swing dramatically from week to week, trees face a complex situation. Their natural winter processes can be disrupted by these irregular patterns. A warm week might trigger early spring responses, only to have these disrupted by the following week’s cold temperatures.
How Trees React
These dramatic temperature swings affect trees in several ways:
Dormancy Disruption
Changes in light patterns and temperature affect trees’ winter processes. If warm periods interrupt winter temperatures, trees may begin preparing for spring growth too early.
Energy Reserves
Trees store sugars (primarily as starch) in their roots and trunks during winter. These reserves fuel essential metabolic processes and help protect against cell damage during cold periods. Trees also undergo a gradual “hardening off” process that helps them acclimate to colder temperatures.
Water Management
Trees constantly adjust their water transport and cell pressure in response to temperature changes. During cold periods, they reduce water loss, while in warmer weather, they increase both water uptake and transpiration. These rapid adjustments between cold and warm periods can stress the tree’s systems.
How Different Trees Handle These Changes
Live Oaks
These evergreens maintain year-round activity. While they don’t follow traditional dormancy patterns, they still need to adjust their metabolic processes as temperatures change.
Loblolly Pines
Their waxy needle coating and specialized cell structure help protect them during temperature changes. They continue photosynthesizing at reduced rates during winter.
Water Oaks
As deciduous trees, they rely on stored energy reserves during winter. Temperature fluctuations can affect their dormancy patterns and preparation for spring growth.
Signs Your Tree is Responding to Temperature Swings
Watch for these visible signs:
- Wilting or drooping leaves on evergreens
- Cracking or splitting in the bark
- Leaves turning brown or dropping unexpectedly
- Branch tips dying back
- Early leaf or flower buds that later turn brown
- Peeling or loose bark
What This Means for Tree Care
Understanding these week-to-week temperature patterns helps guide proper care:
- Monitor trees for signs of premature growth
- Watch for stress indicators when temperatures change significantly
- Monitor soil moisture, ensuring good drainage and avoiding overwatering during cold periods
When to Contact an Arborist
If you notice:
- Signs of stress following temperature swings
- Unusual growth patterns
- Uncertainty about your tree’s condition
Contact ArborTrue’s qualified arborists at (832) 980-8733. We understand how Houston’s February temperature patterns affect your trees and can provide appropriate care recommendations.
If you found this information about how Houston’s February temperature patterns affect your trees helpful, check out our other posts on our TrueTreeTalk blog. Follow us on Facebook to keep up with these and other posts. Check out our list of blog posts grouped by topic for more to read.
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ArborTrue is a science-based tree service company in the greater Houston area. We also serve Austin and other parts of Central Texas. We provide a range of services including tree trimming, tree pruning, tree removal, tree planting, arborist consultations, and more. Call us today at 832-980-8733 (Houston) or at 512-546-3833 (Austin) or reach out to us online to schedule an appointment.
