Early Spring 2025 Update:

Severe drought conditions from last year (one of the driest for the tri-state area on record) and cold, dry wind this winter have caused damage to many woody trees and shrubs. Winter injuries are seen most widely on broadleaf evergreens including Rhododendron, Boxwood, and Holly. Symptoms include browning, leaf curling, foliage desiccation and twig die-back.

"Dead plant parts should be pruned from the canopy but it’s often prudent to wait for several weeks following symptom onset to ensure the shoots and branches are dead. In some cases, the foliage is killed but shoots remain alive and can resume normal growth during the growing season." (UMass Landscape Message, March 2025)

Winter burn on Rhododendron

Winter burn on Boxwood

Winter burn on Holly

The abnormally dry weather conditions from last year may also affect stone fruit such as peaches, plums, and cherries this spring. Symptoms on the tree include shoot die-back, which can lead to brown rot disease on developing fruit and foliage.

Brown Rot on Cherry