What effect will the recent artic cold snap have on our trees?
Linda Langelo is a Horticulture Program Associate for Colorado State University. In a recent article from the Sterling Journal Advocate, she says trees that had green leaves still attached have the greatest risk for damage. Green leaves indicate the sap is still flowing. When the temperature drops suddenly, it’s very likely water and food inside the leaves and stems will be frozen. When the cells freeze, they expand cracking the bark open to give the tree an open wound.
The winter damage won’t be evident until spring.
Langelo advises watering trees during the winter on day when temperatures are above freezing and there is no snow cover. Water out by the tree’s drip line where the trees absorption roots are located.