Burnt Baby Abies

Eau Claire, WI

The following pics show Firs that were planted this past year. Most have experienced some winter burn on SE facing side, with A. color and A. lasiocarpa faring the worst. I planted them on the south side of mature White Pines, thinking protection from NW winds would be most critical, while still getting ample sun. I can't site them on the north side because its pasture and horses would destroy them. Should I just admit my error in siting these trees and move them to another location, or is this something they might outgrow? The first pic is A. concolor.

Thumbnail by Maackia
Eau Claire, WI

A. lasiocarpa

Thumbnail by Maackia
Eau Claire, WI

A. concolor 'Candicans'

Thumbnail by Maackia
Eau Claire, WI

A. koreana

Thumbnail by Maackia
Northumberland, United Kingdom(Zone 9a)

First one looks like Abies concolor subsp. lowiana - the subspecies from the Cascades and the Sierra Nevada, rather less hardy than the type subsp. concolor from the Rockies.

Try planting some birches on the south side of them to give light shade.

Resin

Presque Isle, WI(Zone 3b)

Maacki, Been a tough year for me as well on winter burn. Wind does not seem to be my problem cause I live on a heavily forested property; however following where not shaded all burnt on S sides. Picea orientalis 'Gowdy' ( only branches above snow line ). Picea glauca 'Dwarf Alberta' ( a recurring problem ). Pseudotsuga menziesii 'Moerheimii' ( again, only branches above snow ). All other spruce ; esp. abies, omorika cultivars: never been a problem above snow. Burlap? Balsam bows? I thought the problem would be later with snow at lower level and late cold snap, but I guess if we are to protect the time would be late fall before the snow. Ken

Eau Claire, WI

You mean I should plant more trees? That would be awful. ;)

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
BACK TO TOP