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

DSC00394 7008X4672 Fd9988e (1)
Davey In The News

Runny nose? Experts Say Allergies in Canada Are Worsening Due to Pollen

Kevin Sproule from Davey Tree Canada says the increase in pollen among Alberta is heightening allergy symptoms this year.
Read More
Screenshot 2026 06 16 153251
Davey In The News

Reviving Mid-Atlantic Trees During a Drought

Lou Meyer from Davey's Mid-Atlantic regions explains how to water trees during drought conditions to avoid pests, disease and decline.
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!