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Feb. 10, 2025Des Moines, Iowa |  By: Jeremy Werner

Iowa DNR warns about potential for winter burn

winter weather

DES MOINES, Iowa - Iowa foresters are bracing for reports of winter burn damage to arborvitae and white pine trees due to fluctuating temperatures.

According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), recent warm weather has forced trees to use up water reserves in their needles, but frozen ground prevents them from absorbing more, leading to dehydration.

Winter burn symptoms include browning or bleaching of needles, needle loss, and even tree death, especially in trees exposed to wind and sunlight. If the tree’s buds remain alive, new growth may replace the damaged foliage.

However, if both needles and buds are dead, the tree won’t recover and will need to be removed.

While there’s no way to prevent winter burn, the DNR recommends proper mulching and ensuring trees are well-hydrated before winter, particularly in drought years. For more information, contact your local district forester.