AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It should come as no surprise that it's not just humans and our pets who could suffer from bone-chilling cold winter-type precipitation. One local arborist said that, just like humans, our trees can suffer from the cold by getting frostbitten. Frostbite on a tree occurs during extreme temperature fluctuations. It is exhibited through cracks on the bark of the tree. Local arborist Will Johnston, from Davey Tree, spoke with Rich Segal about how trees need to be tended to as a way to help protect them from both the arctic cold air, as well as when bouts of freezing precipitation happen. Trees have a vascular system. A sustained freeze causes frostbite almost the same way as when pipes are frozen and then burst. The water freezes and expands causing damage to the trees. Older trees are just as susceptible to winter's harsh temperatures as the young trees. Johnston offers a few tips on what homeowners can do protect trees. He said that providing a good one to two-inch mulch in the winter helps protect the trees from the frost and the cold air. Johnston suggests that the mulch be applied AFTER the first hard freeze. Central Texas has already had freezing temperatures so NOW is a good time to get out there and apply that generous covering of mulch. Spread that mulch out as far as you can to show that tree some love. For the newly-planted trees he suggests covering them in blankets. Wrap the trunk of a new tree, particularly if it has a thin bark. He said the older trees have been through this before so they can pretty much handle things.