Cause Freezing, desiccation by exposure from soil heaving, and ice formation within living root and crown tissue.
Symptoms Thin stands following severe winters with no snow cover. Crowns and upper part of taproot are dead and discolored on the outside; damage extends part way into the woody tissue. Winter injury is usually complicated and made more severe by the establishment of parasitic bacteria and fungi in the damaged area.
Cultural control
- Use adapted, recommended, disease-resistant, winter-hardy varieties.
- Apply a late fall irrigation.
- Do not cut late in fall.