Trees in Houston, Texas may show signs of damage this spring as a result of freezing weather in the winter.

In late 2009, the weather was unusually cold for the Texas Gulf Coast. In December in particular, arctic blasts affected Houston, and this southern city of mild winters experienced a rare snowfall on Dec. 4. This icy weather damaged the cycling system of many Houston area trees, according to Houston arborist Louis Flory of Ability Tree Experts.

Trees undergo what is called a cycling system on annual basis, with trees typically losing their leaves in the fall and growing them back in the spring. However, Flory points out that in late 2009, the parts of trees that circulate food and water through the trunk were frozen. These parts, known as the cycling tissue, must be functioning to enable trees to undergo cycles at full capacity.

Therefore, trees that should be budding this spring and producing leaves may not do so on time, a phenomenon known as a late bloom. Many trees experienced internal damage from the freeze, and signs of this damage may only be noticeable in the coming months.

Flory said palm trees in particular are experiencing visible signs of damage such as brown leaves. Without the internal system to circulate nutrients, the canopy cannot be property produced. Furthermore, trees that were damage before this winter are even more likely to have problems in the spring and summer of 2010.

Beyond late blooms and poor canopy production, Houston trees damaged in the winter are also more vulnerable to infestations by insects or diseases, said Flory.

To keep from losing your valuable trees, you should consult with an arborist or tree care specialist, said Flory. A tree care specialist can diagnose problems in trees and offer a range of professional solutions including the following:

Deep Root Feeding - This process involves the injection of fertilizers directly into tree root zones at extremely high pressures. Deep root feeding can provide trees with vital nutrients exactly where they are most effective.

Tree Spraying– This is a process of applying treatments that are powerful both for fighting insects and for restoring the health of trees. Only a licensed arborist can apply the most effective treatments.

There are many other solutions a tree care specialist can provide. If it appears that your own trees aren't producing leaves when they should, your hunch could be correct. The good news is the right treatment can in fact rehabilitate your trees and keep them green and healthy during the upcoming spring and summer months.