Deciduous Trees:
After Super Storm Sandy it is important to recognize symptoms of flood stress which can include:
You need to be patient until mid to late spring to assess your plants. As spring progresses watch for signs of die-back but don't rush to cut dead branches!!!When branches have lost leaves does not mean they are dead. There may be buds that will re-leaf in the spring or early summer. Live stems will have green tissue visible. Remove only those limbs that appear dead.
Well the good news about this bone chilling winter weather is that it will lead to a great spring and summer season. The reason is simple, when you have a sustained deep freeze as we have been experiencing, as the smart farmer knows, the freezing temps will lead to a better soil for spring planting. Also Mosquitoes and other pests are in hibernation now and the deep freeze will help decrease the population and the spread of West Nile virus. Now all we need now is a below average rainfall for the spring and we will be lined up for a fantastic summer with less pests attacking us and our plantings. Sooooo…. bundle up and enjoy the cold winter weather and remember the benefits are just around the corner !!
