What is Tree Freeze Damage?

Have you noticed straw colored needles and needle burn on the southern exposure of various pines around Castle Rock area? Mostly likely it is tree freeze damage. This tree freeze damage is possibly associated with temperature fluctuations we had in fall in November from 70 degrees to 14 degrees below. Tree freeze damage usually happens in spring but this year we had it in fall. Trees and plants were not completely dormant when this happened. We will see more signs of tree freeze damage injury in early to mid spring on both conifers and deciduous trees. This sudden spate of cold is especially tough on newly planted trees and established trees with south or southwest exposure as well as trees that went into the prolonged cold days without adequate water.  The effects will depend on the health of the trees prior to this temperature fluctuations.

 What can you do now after tree freeze damage?

•Deeply water shrubs and trees on days when temperature is 40 degrees or warmer. Continue winter watering every two weeks to once a month, with new trees or trees in conditions exposed to lots of sun or wind.
•Mulch shrubs and trees. Schedule a winter pruning for mature shrubs and trees.
•Wrap young trees to protect them from sunscald.
•Protect your pines in spring with tree spraying. Trees that suffered from freeze damage are stressed and vulnerable to beetle attacks. Stress lowers their natural ability to fend off beetles and beetles can sense that.

If you have any concerns about your trees, give SprayTech a call or email us at office@treesandweeds.com. We will come out to inspect your trees and provide you with a maintenance plan to keep your trees healthy and protected. Our tree services include tree spraying, deep root watering & fertilizing, tree pruning & removals.