Common problems

Winter Injury

A late fall, common in many parts of Saskatchewan, can leave some trees and shrubs with damage ranging from some branch dieback to mortality. The problem with a warm, late, fall is that trees and shrubs often do not go into dormancy adequately before freezing occurs. Some of the damages you may notice if this is the case:

• Bud death. Leaf and flower buds may not develop but the tree/shrub is still alive. To check to see if your tree is still alive, try scraping a bit of the bark off with your fingernail. If it is still green and the branches still flexible, there's a good chance it will either re-leaf this summer or next spring. If the branch is brown or brittle, it is likely dead.
• Tip dieback. New growth on trees and shrubs occurs primarily at the branch tips. If they do not harden off well before freezing, they may be killed. Check the wood with the fingernail technique mentioned above and if it is brown, prune off the dead wood.

Mulching tender tea roses and other perennials with materials such as grass clippings, leaves and straw is recommended. Do this before the ground freezes, but not too early, or you may encourage new growth. Native roses and hedge roses do not need to be mulched to survive the winter.

There is little we can do to control the weather, but you can control some of the cultural conditions that affect the plant. Do not fertilize your trees and shrubs after mid August as that will encourage succulent growth that may not shut down properly. Also-water your trees/shrubs sparingly after mid August, to help them condition properly.