When Oklahoma shifts from colorful fall days into sudden winter freezes, your trees experience one of the most stressful transitions of the year. Cold snaps, ice storms, and rapid temperature changes can expose weaknesses that weren’t noticeable just a few weeks earlier. Preparing your trees before winter hits is the best way to protect your property and maintain long-term tree health.

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Why the Fall-to-Winter Shift Matters

During fall, trees slow their growth, shed leaves, and store energy in their roots. Once winter arrives, freezing temperatures, dry winds, and ice accumulation begin putting real pressure on branches, bark, and root systems.

This transition increases the risk of:

• Cracked or broken limbs
• Bark splitting
• Frost and freeze damage
• Root stress from frozen soil
• Overwintering pests

Understanding these risks helps homeowners take action before damage occurs.

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Common Tree Problems When Fall Turns Into Winter

1. Weak Limbs Breaking Under Ice

Branches that were weakened by storms or summer drought can snap quickly once winter ice forms. This is one of the biggest reasons homeowners call Hickman Trees for emergency tree service.

2. Bark Splitting from Temperature Swings

Warm fall afternoons and freezing winter nights cause rapid expansion and contraction inside the trunk. This can split bark and expose inner wood, making trees more vulnerable to disease and pests.

3. Soil Freezing and Root Stress

Wet fall soil freezes fast in Oklahoma’s early winter cold fronts. Frozen soil limits oxygen supply and stresses the root system.

Oklahoma State University Extension (tree and soil health):

4. Winter Pests Finding Shelter

Many insects overwinter in cracks or damaged bark. Any fall stress makes trees more likely to harbor pests that return stronger in spring.

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How to Prepare Your Trees Before the First Freeze

✔ Remove Weak or Dead Branches

Late fall is the perfect time to prune. Removing hazardous limbs prevents ice-related breakage.

✔ Add Mulch for Root Protection

A 2–4 inch mulch layer insulates roots and helps prevent sudden freeze damage. Keep mulch pulled slightly away from the trunk to avoid rot.

✔ Wrap Young or Thin-Barked Trees

Tree wrap protects against sunscald, bark splitting, and windburn during winter’s harshest weeks.

✔ Inspect for Structural Issues

Splitting trunks, leaning trees, hollow sections, or large dead limbs are major red flags. Winter storms can turn these into safety hazards.

✔ Schedule a Pre-Winter Tree Evaluation

A professional assessment can identify decay, unstable limbs, or root issues before winter makes them dangerous.

ISA winter tree care tips

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When to Call Hickman Trees

Reach out to our team if you see:

• Hanging, cracked, or dead limbs
• Bark splitting
• Trees leaning or showing signs of instability
• Fungus or rot near the base
• Branches over your roof or driveway

We’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured — serving Tulsa and surrounding areas with safe, reliable, and affordable tree care.