In this Cottage Life article, Ryan Statham from Davey’s Strathroy office talks about winter burn and what can be done about it.  

Posted: March 07, 2023

The needles on some of my evergreens have turned brown. My neighbor at the cottagePicture of a Davey arborist properly pruning a tree. told me that she thinks it’s from winter burn. Could she be correct? Will the trees recover? 

Without seeing the trees, it’s impossible to know for sure—tree foliage can turn brown for many reasons. But your neighbor could be right. 

“Winter burn occurs when a tree loses more water through its leaves than it can absorb from the frozen ground,” says Ryan Statham, the district manager at the Strathroy, Ontario, office of The Davey Tree Expert Company. There are multiple possible symptoms to look for, including brown, dry foliage; discoloured, damaged, or cracked bark; and in the spring, die back at the tips of the branches, with no new growth.  

To read the rest of Ryan’s advice, click here. 

Other News Posts

Screenshot 2025 10 07 095537
Davey In The News

The Art of STEM and Climbing Trees with Betsy Kling

Arborist skills trainer Rick Denbeau walks Cleveland’s Betsy Kling through the basics of tree climbing, covering throw line techniques, teamwork in the field and the advancements Davey is making in the green industry.
Read More
028A0968 4936X6170 428Be4f
Davey In The News

Warmest Weekend Yet in Albany This Fall

Scott Morris from Davey's Albany office talks about the high temperatures this autumn season, as well as the climate's effect on fall foliage. 
Read More
Two Employees (1)
Two Employees (1)

Get In Touch With Us!

We pride ourselves at Davey Tree on providing prompt, professional and personalized service from certified arborists that live, work and engage in your community. Contact one of our Davey Tree specialists for your residential, commercial, utility, or environmental needs.

Let's Find What
You're Looking For!