www.arborage.com ARBOR AGE WINTER 2015 17
PLANT HEALTH CARE
autumn pumping the water out of their cells. The water still
freezes, but the crystallization occurs in the cytoplasm within
the intercellular spaces, which has much less damage potential
than freezing inside the cell membranes. Additionally,
removing water from the cell increases the concentration
gradient of solutes within the cell, which, in turn, lowers the
freezing point of the cell, similar to the mechanisms mentioned
earlier. The species that can best perform these tasks are those
that are considered the most cold hardy and come with the
reward of being able to thrive in areas unsuitable for most
other living things.
Even the most cold-hardy species will suffer damage from the
cold if they do not acclimate to it properly. Even though water is
the most damaging thing plants confront once the temps drop,
it is vital to their preparation. Keeping trees well watered up
until the ground freezes is one of the best ways to help them
survive the coming winter. Given the proper care in autumn,
and if the temps do not drop below a tree's minimum comfort
range, they should be able to resume activity in the spring. If
only surviving the winter was as easy for us humans.
Brandon M. Gallagher Watson is creative director at Rainbow
Treecare Scientific Advancements, and is an ISA Certified Arborist
(#MN-4086A).
Water trees even after leaf drop for better hardiness.
