Most Utahns are hoping for significant snowfall this winter so our lakes, reservoirs, and canals can be full of water next summer. Our way of life in these mountain valleys depends on winter snowfall, not only in the mountains, but in the valleys as well. Snowfall in the winter poses challenge for both fruit trees and shade trees. A little work now can prevent injury later.

As weather fronts come across the Intermountain West and deposit snow, it is common that the low pressure weather system that brought the snow will be followed by high pressure, accompanied by cold sunny days and clear, calm, cold night. 

During the day, light energy from the sun is reflected off the surface of the snow and the south facing bark of fruit trees and shade trees absorb this light energy. Because the bark is dark colored, it can warm up significantly, even during a cold, but sunny day. 

As the bark warms, it loses hardiness.  Clear sunny days are often followed by frigid cold nights and the bark that has lost its hardiness is damaged by the cold weather. This is commonly called southwest injury The injury is more likely on young trees than mature trees with corky bark.

This damage can be avoided in a couple of different ways. 

Either approach will protect tree trunks from damage.