Why exactly does your evergreen tree turn brown in the winter time?
So we’re more than a week into 2018. In January, the cold weather has lost its novelty and everyone just wants to be warm again. Well, so does your tree. Why exactly does your evergreen tree turn brown in the winter time? Let’s take a closer look to find out.
It Doesn’t Like the Cold
First of all, if you don’t like how cold it has been, then chances are, your evergreen tree doesn’t either. The roots of the tree need the water that is saved up in the needles once the ground has frozen over. The problem is, the remaining water will be consumed quickly enough that the needles themselves turn brown too. Is your tree dying from lack of water? All you have to do is give it a protective coating with what is called an anti-desiccant spray.
Too Much Sunlight
Although the daytime is shorter during the winter, the sun still sticks around. Sometimes, there will be enough sunlight that your evergreen trees will dry out more quickly as well. If you’ve ever suffered a mild sunburn, then you know what it’ll feel like when your evergreen tree suffers from sunscald. The needles and bark are both drying out. In case you have any burlap laying around, you can use it to cover your trees and protect them from the nasty winter weather.
It’s Sick
Fall and winter are traditionally considered to be flu season for be people. So it should be normal to think of it as flu season for your evergreen tree, too. Pine beetles love to move in and make evergreen trees their new home. You might also spot symptoms of what is called cytospora canker disease. The needles turning brown is one potential sign, but here are some others to keep an eye out for:
- Tiny holes in your tree
- Excessive sawdust
- Canker sores that drip white sap
Tree Care for Every Tree from Nelson Tree Specialist
Nelson Tree Specialist provides specialty arborist services, tree crane services, tree care services, and dead tree removal services. We are well known for our top-notch skills and professionalism. We are members of the International Society of Arboriculture and we are considered certified arborists. We are also an accredited business through the Better Business Bureau and we have great reviews through Angie’s List. To find out how we can help your trees, whether they are exotic and strange or normal and plan, give us a call at (301) 854-2218 (Washington, D.C.) or (202) 909-5662 (Baltimore) or visit us online. For more interesting tree facts and tips, follow us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.