By late winter your evergreens have put on a brown, red or bronze hue? The needles on the hemlocks and arborvitae look as if they have been scorched despite the freezing temperatures. You may be left to wonder if the trees are in trouble for the season or actually dying.
In New England we get those questions a lot and most of the time it is down to winter burn. Marquis Tree Service has been tending to the evergreens of homeowners in Lexington and the Greater Boston area since 1993. Give us a ring at (781) 650-4873 for some expert assistance. But before you do, here is an explanation of what winter burn is and how to guard against it.
What Is Winter Burn?
Needled and broadleaf evergreens are subject to this kind of damage in the cold months. They do not shed their leaves like other trees so they retain their foliage year round. Consequently they will lose moisture through the needles even in the depths of winter.
The issue is that with the ground frozen the roots are unable to take up water to make good what the needles have lost. Then the wind and the winter sun come along and draw out more. The foliage dries up, browns and dies back. Some are more prone to it than others; hemlocks, arborvitae, boxwood, rhododendron and young stock in particular are hard hit.
Signs of Winter Burn to Watch For
You will see the evidence of winter burn by late winter or early spring. Look for:
- Needles that have gone brown, red or bronze, particularly on the side to the wind or sun
- The south and west sides of the tree taking the worst of it
- Needles that will fall off at a touch
- Browning from the tips inwards
- Dieback on the outside branches while the sheltered interior remains green
How to Protect Your Evergreens
There is much one can do to stave off winter burn. It comes down to keeping the trees well hydrated and out of harm’s way as the cold sets in.
- Water them in the fall. Do not let up on the watering until the ground is frozen. A tree going into winter with plenty of moisture is in a better position to cope.
- Put down some mulch. Insulating the roots and holding in soil moisture is what it is for. Leave a few inches between the mulch and the trunk.
- An anti-desiccant spray will put a coating on the foliage to check the loss of moisture from the needles. Best done before a hard freeze.
- Put up a burlap screen or barrier on the windward side of any susceptible evergreens to block the drying winds and sun.
- Do not fertilize late in the season. You do not want to encourage any tender new growth that the cold will ruin.
- Site your new plantings where they are shielded from the direct winter sun and strong winds.
And then there are the basics. Gently brush the heavy snow off the limbs and stay away from the trees with road salt.
If Winter Burn Has Already Set In
Do not be in a hurry to put the shears to an evergreen that has been damaged. Let the spring come. With warmer weather many will put on new growth of their own. Pruning now only takes away branches that would have recovered. When you see the new growth you can cut back what is plainly dead. If you are not sure, an arborist can tell you.
Our team is on hand for that. We know the requirements of the birch, oak, hemlock and the rest of the species found in these parts. We provide the pruning and plant health care to get your evergreens back in shape.
Why Call Marquis Tree Service
We have made a name for ourselves on our knowledge of evergreen care. John Marquis started the company in 1993 after putting in the work to get his degrees in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry. Our staff today is made up of ISA Certified and Board Certified Master Arborists.
We are licensed and insured and hold accreditation from the BBB. As members of the TCIA and the Massachusetts Arborists Association we offer free estimates. Should a storm cause some damage to a tree our 24/7 emergency response is available.
To protect your evergreens or put right what has been done to them, call Marquis Tree Service at (781) 650-4873 for a free estimate. We will see to it that your trees are healthy for the season and beyond.