Cold Injury

Cold injury causes branch and bud death when temperatures drop severely below the hardiness zone. You see blackened buds, twig dieback, and branch mortality. Protect tender plants from cold by proper siting and microclimate management. Remove deadwood after injury occurs.

Management depends on catching it early. Scout susceptible plants regularly and remove affected tissue before the pathogen can spread. Improve growing conditions by addressing drainage, spacing, and irrigation practices. For persistent or severe cases, contact your local Master Gardener program or Extension office for treatment options specific to your host plants.