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April 15, 2024Des Moines, Iowa |  By: Jeremy Werner

Iowa DNR says winter burn impacting trees

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DES MOINES, Iowa - Iowa's Department of Natural Resources foresters are sounding the alarm about widespread winter burn damage affecting pine trees across the state.

The prolonged frozen ground coupled with above-freezing temperatures has left trees unable to absorb water from the soil, leading to dehydration.

Winter burn is a common issue for conifers in exposed locations and presents symptoms such as browning or bleaching of needles, needle loss, and even tree death.

These signs become more pronounced as temperatures rise, particularly on the sun- or wind-exposed sides of trees.

While trees may recover if only the needles are affected, severe damage to both needles and buds could spell the end for the tree, necessitating removal.

Unfortunately, there's no foolproof way to prevent winter burn, but proper mulching and hydration before dormancy can mitigate risks.