Bark splitting in many cases goes unnoticed by gardeners. It can happen from over fertilization in fall, after a hot dry autumn followed by a very wet fall or by sharp temperature changes in spring. Winter sun scald can also lead to barksplitting. This doesn't always lead to the death of the plant, that depends on the severity. It does give an entry point for diseases and insects that will weaken the plant.
Desiccation is another kind of winterkill that damages our plants in winter.
This happens when the ground is frozen and the roots cannot supply the plant with enough water to compensate for its loss in the above ground tissues. Evergreens, who's leaves are their needles really suffer form this. Climbing rose canes, even the hardy ones also can suffer badly if planted in exposed places. Rhododendron leaves will curl , boxwood and yews will turn yellow to brown. This is caused by the soil freezing and thawing and unless you push them back down immediately their chances of surviving are very slim.