Trees responding to tough winter

As residents may be seeing, some trees are just now leafing out. However, others may have died over the winter. It appears the cold temperatures in February has killed some trees or tree limbs. The cold temperatures in March are responsible for the late leafing of trees. Buds were frozen in March causing late leaf out. People may want to take their time in deciding to trim or remove a tree. Give them a little extra time to recover. Also, if you break a branch off and it snaps, it is dead. Green, live tissue bends. Water the trees at the drip line (end of the branches).

Evergreen trees who have burnt needles will need to be water at the drip line as well as they received winter burn. Evergreens respirate all year long even when it is F 40 degrees below zero. When the soil is frozen the trees literally pump the moisture out of their needles resulting in winter desiccation. Adequate watering should help these trees recover but if the tree is brown on half the tree it could be difficult to recover as well. If you have a question or want me to come to look at your tree, call the Extension Office at 654-2543.