How Colorado’s Unique Climate Can Scorch Trees in Winter

If you think leaf scorch is only a summer problem for trees, think again. In Colorado, winter climates are often sunny and semi-arid between snowfall, and this makes drought damage, which can manifest as leaf scorch, a year-round concern. Quaking aspen, box elder, and eastern cottonwood are among the local trees at risk for a stressful season.

What can you do to protect your trees from Colorado’s unique winter climate? Let’s explore how the sun and snow impact tree health in the winter, the signs of heat stress, and how you can support your trees and prevent leaf scorch.

Colorado Winters and Tree Health

Trees in Colorado and beyond enter dormancy in the winter, which is how they survive and regrow in the springtime. Dormancy appears different depending on the species of tree. Evergreen trees, for example, retain their needles year-round, while deciduous trees shed their leaves so as to conserve their energy.

Severe winter conditions can damage trees despite their self-preservation instincts. If the ground freezes over, for example, a tree’s roots will not be able to soak up its usual amount of water. Combine this deficit with a dry, sunny stretch of time, and leaf scorch—the browning of leaf margins due to insufficient water—is inevitable.

Symptoms and Causes of Scorch

Particularly in autumn, it can be challenging to determine whether your trees are experiencing leaf scorch or responding naturally to the changing seasons. Leaf scorch is often accompanied by at least one of the following conditions:

• Root problems: All trees absorb water through their roots, so any complications to root function, such as girdling, will prevent water intake.

• Heat stress: In addition to trees’ inability to absorb water, heat stress in the form of strong, direct sunlight can cause damage.

• Other environmental conditions: Strong winds may exacerbate scorch by further drying out trees and their surrounding areas.

The main signs of leaf scorch include:

• Browning of leaf margins and between the leaf veins

• Dry, brittle appearance

• Damage primarily on the southern, most sunny side of the tree

• Premature leaf drop

• In evergreen trees, needles may turn red-brown and drop

How to Prevent Leaf Scorch This Winter

To ensure your trees remain stable throughout winter and into spring, here are some top winter care tips from the Colorado State Forest Service:

• Winter watering: Deep watering equals deep root development. During the winter, it’s best to only water on days with temperatures above freezing. Aim to water in the morning so the water has time to reach the roots before the evening, when there’s a greater risk of freezing.

• Mulch: If you are concerned about the soil surrounding your trees, apply organic mulch or wood chips around each tree’s base.

• Winter pruning: Pruning your trees while they’re dormant allows you to remove dead branches ahead of the spring season.

• Wrap young trees: Young, thin-barked trees are more likely to experience damage, such as splitting bark, from harsh winter conditions. Wrapping your trees, beginning at the base and working your way up, protects them from the elements.

Choose Knothead for Tree Care Services

Looking for a professional deep-root watering service? Owned and operated by ISA-certified arborist Brett LeMaire, Knothead Tree Care proudly provides winter watering to our clients in the Front Range and surrounding service areas. Since 2008, our team of certified arborists and tree specialists has been committed to providing sustainable tree removal, fire mitigation strategies, insect and disease treatment, general plant health care consultations, and more.

Protect your lawn and trees today. To schedule an appointment and get a free estimate, contact us at 303-885-3800 or team@knotheadtree.com.