Disease Directory

    Frost Damage

    Freezing temperatures (abiotic injury)

    Other
    Leaves
    Flowers
    Stems
    Fruit

    Overview

    Physical injury to plant tissues caused by freezing temperatures, resulting in cell rupture, tissue death, and various symptoms depending on the plant part affected and severity of the freeze.

    Symptoms

    Water-soaked, wilted appearance of tender tissues. Blackened shoot tips and flower buds. Bark splitting on trunks. Brown, mushy fruit. Leaf margins turn brown and papery. Dieback of branches. Delayed spring growth.

    Environmental Conditions

    Cool

    Prevention

    Plant frost-hardy species appropriate for the climate zone. Avoid planting in frost pockets. Use row covers, mulch, or cold frames. Avoid late-season nitrogen that promotes tender growth. Water soil before frost events.

    Management

    Wait to assess damage before pruning (may take weeks). Prune dead tissue back to live wood. Protect damaged bark from sunscald. Provide extra water and light fertilization to support recovery.