Winter Burn or Winter Scorch

Are the outsides of your pines turning brown? Damage appears on one branch, a few branches, or one side of the evergreen (usually the side facing prevailing winds). The damage is attributed to winter desiccation (also called winter burn, winter drying, or winter scorch). During the winter months, the roots of evergreens are not able to absorb water from the frozen soil. However, evergreen needles continue to lose moisture throughout the winter. Considerable water loss can occur on windy or sunny winter days. Damage occurs when the needles lose excessive amounts of moisture. Will the pine survive? How can this be prevented?

For more information on winter desiccation please go to: http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/node/2028

Last updated April 29, 2022