Winter browning is often seen on different types of evergreens. During the winter months the ground freezes and water is not traveling throughout the tree, but the tree is still losing water due to transpiration. The inadequate amount of water results in the browning of needles and foliage.
Tree Problem Category: Non-Pathological Issues
Improper Mulching
Improper Mulching is a common landscaping practice. Volcano mulching, or the practice of piling up mulch around the trunk of tree in a volcano like mound, encourages adventitious root development.
Deer damage
Deer damage will often occur during the fall when deer are in rut and in the winter months when sources of food are not as readily available to the deer population. Eating the bark, chewing the ends of branches, rubbing antlers on trunks and branches are examples of how deer can damage trees.
Improper Planting
Improper Planting is one of the most common problems that trees face. It can cause major issues years after the tree was initially installed into the landscape. Many trees are planted to deep and not at the true root flare. Trees that are planted too deep are often stunted and develop girdling roots years down the road.
Frost Cracks
Frost Cracks develop on tree trunks or branches are repeatedly exposed to wind, usually from the south.
Girdling Roots
Girdling Roots are adventitious surface roots that grow around the base of a tree. The roots restrict the water and nutrients flow from the soil, choking the tree off. Signs of girdling root formation include lack of a root flare, small stunted leaves, overall thinning of the canopy, dieback at the top of the canopy and early leaf color or leaf drop in the fall.
Chlorosis
Chlorosis is a common condition that trees develops over time and is mostly due to a lack a certain nutrient, usually iron or manganese. Oaks, maples, birch, sweet gum, magnolia, and tulip trees are some of the trees susceptible to this condition.