Due to weather over the last few months, winter burn damage is anticipated for arborvitae and white pine trees across the state. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources forest health forester Tivon Feeley shared in a statement, “The ground remains frozen, but the ambient temperatures have been above freezing. The tree is forced to use their water reserves in the needles, but can’t absorb new water from the frozen soil. The lack of water causes the trees to dry out.”

Conifers planted in the open commonly experience winter burn. Browning or bleaching needles, trees losing needles, and tree death can be a result of winter burn. If the buds on the tree remain alive, even if needles are dead, then new plant foliage regrows and replaces the burned foliage. However, according to the DNR, if both the buds and needles are dead then the tree won’t recover and needs to be removed.

Properly mulching around conifers and getting proper hydration to the tree before going dormant in the fall can reduce the risks of winter burn. In addition, deciduous trees generally have fewer insect and disease issues, and in windbreaks, grow faster.