I have 4 large Ash trees that don't have leaves yet, are they late coming out or did I lose them to the ice storm?
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found this???? Ash tree leaves frozen
Question:
My ash tree had already formed leaves before the most recent severe weather. The leaves froze, turned black, and fell off. Will it die?
Answer:
Your tree will probably not die, but it may be late in developing new leaves and needs to be well cared for this year. You may, in fact, continue to see twig and branch dieback for several years following this year's spring freeze injury.
Since the buds had broken and leaves were formed, you may have had total death of the new growth and associated buds. However, trees often have an insurance policy in the form of accessory buds. These are smaller buds adjacent to the primary bud which suffered the damage. These accessory buds rarely grow and produce branches unless something happens to the primary bud. This is what happens when you prune off a one-year-old branch and a new growth develops at the base of the removed branch. This bud may also grow if the primary bud or branch is killed by insects, disease, wind, or cold weather.
Later, as the accessory buds begin to grow, you will get a better idea of the extent of the damage. You may see growth beginning near the end of the twigs and branches in the tree if damage was minimal. If damage was severe, you will observe considerable dieback as the new growth begins farther down the branches leaving a foot or more of dead branch. Remove the dead branches by pruning after you have observed good development of new twigs and leaves. Be sure the tree receives adequate water this year, but do not apply heavy fertilizer applications. If the tree is healthy, it will contain sufficient food and nutrient reserves to produce the new growth. Light fertilization after the growth has formed will be sufficient if any fertilization is necessary.
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