Hello,

Unfortunately I received some winter damage on 2 dwarf conifers as I didn't take the appropriate steps to prevent such damage. Live and learn!

In doing some research here on the extension site and throughout other university sites, there isn't much I can do at this point. The damage is done. However, what I am a little unsure of is how I may want to approach this damage. Both of these conifers are dwarf varieties, thus growth will be minimal each year. Additionally, because they are dwarf varieties, it seems the approach to these may be different than a non-dwarf variety. I have a few questions regarding each specific conifer:

- Is the Chamaecyparis Pisifera 'Blue Moon' shown in the photos recoverable based on how much damage there is?

   - If it is recoverable, what would be the best approach to doing so? Should I cut back the portions that are damaged and shape it as needed before new growth starts occurring? It's a dwarf variety so I would be taking quite a bit off and it would look very small.

   - Do nothing and see what happens on it's own?

   - Or is there just too much damage for this dwarf variety that it simply needs to be taken out?

- The Norway Spruce 'Dandylion' shown in the photos recoverable?

   - It seems this damage is minor and should recover? If so, what would be the best approach to take? Let it recover on it's own or prune back the damage as needed?

   - I've read you can check the buds to see if those have been damaged (unlikely from my reading?), and if they are not, that bodes well for recovery?

Thank you for any information you may be able to provide!

-Aaron