The late spring frosts that affected large areas of the Prairies should not have caused long-term damage to trees, says the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration shelterbelt centre at Indian Head, Sask.
The stage of growth the tree was at when temperatures dropped determined the extent of the damage. The most succulent growth experienced the most damage.
This will be apparent on such species as green ash. Black tips and frozen leaves dropped off. Small spruce buds that have frozen and turned a pinkish-brown color may also have dropped off, but the tree should still be healthy.
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Full recovery expected
The trees should recover whether they are mature or newly planted.
They may be slow in leafing or newly planted trees may not leaf out at all this year.
It would be advisable to keep the affected trees this year and wait until next spring to determine the extent of damage before getting rid of any. Few will perish from the untimely frost.
The best action now is to keep the affected trees as healthy and free of stress as possible. Remove weeds and grass from the shelterbelt site and water when needed.
For more information contact the PFRA Shelterbelt Centre in Indian Head at 306-695-2284.
