Recent freeze affecting trees and shrubs - Ask Extension
There are a number of trees and shrubs that were adversely affected by the recent freeze. They had set new vulnerable foliage and now the results look...
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Recent freeze affecting trees and shrubs #930669
Asked May 05, 2026, 11:00 AM EDT
There are a number of trees and shrubs that were adversely affected by the recent freeze. They had set new vulnerable foliage and now the results look dire.
I know nature takes care of itself in most instances such as this, and had a huge capacity to rebound and there seems to be a bit of planning and decision making on the part of the trees and shrubs as to when and how to spend it's energy, but is there any practice that can help them along in recovery, or do we let nature take it's course and heal itself?
The plants that were noticeably affected were a ginkgo, a snowball, and a winterberry - photos of each are included.
Thanks as always for your help and guidance
Jon
Harford County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi,
You can provide water. The root will need ample moisture to push out new growth and it can take a few weeks before that happens. We have seen this damage on many different types of plants throughout Maryland. We are in a prolonged drought so provided water will help the plants with additional stress from drought. You should see new growth start to come out soon with the warmer weather coming and longer days.
just continue to monitor for watering needs through the spring and summer. Mature trees and shrubs need about an inch of a week if it isn't raining sufficiently.
Emily
