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WINTER BROWNING OF EVERGREENS/CONIFERS
Winter browning is often referred to as desiccation injury. On sunny, windy days during the winter when temperatures are above freezing, needles lose water. If the soil is frozen, the transpired water cannot be replaced and the tree suffers desiccation stress. However, water loss alone in midwinter is not the only cause of needle browning.
A combination of environmental stresses can cause needle browning on conifers. Winter browning may result from the interaction of extreme low temperatures and frequent fluctuations between freezing and thawing. These conditions are usually found on the south or southwest side of conifers, since those areas generally receive most of the sunlight during winter months. Damage may also appear on the windward side, which may be to the north. Dry conditions during the summer months may also be a contributing factor to damage we are seeing this season. Avoid pruning browned, burned areas from evergreen trees and shrubs in the early spring since these branches may still have viable buds that will produce new foliage when growth resumes. If the buds did not survive, prune dead branches back to living tissue. Some plants may appear to be fine for a while, and then begin to decline when conditions become stressful in the summer. This may be evidence that there was some root damage. When spring finally arrives and plants begin to resume growth, provide adequate moisture and balanced fertilization. You may need a soil test to determine if there is a nutrient deficiency. Most important of all, enjoy the season of new life!
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