May 18th saw temperatures at JCFlats as low as 23F! Several days later, several species of trees were showing brown, wrinkled leaves which eventually began to drop. In particular our Beech and Ash trees were particularly affected by this late frost. So what actually happened here? As the temperature dropped, ice crystals started to form in the cells of the tender emerging leaves overnight which then led to the destruction of the cell membranes as the ice melted. The Vermont Dept of Forests, Parks and Recreation did a flyover, following the White River Valley watershed to determine the actual extent of the damage. Other species such as locust, oak, sumac, walnut and some maples, which all tend to break bud later in the season were hit hard as well. So what happens now? Most trees will recover by producing a 2nd flush of buds/leaves, using their stored carbohydrates. These new leaves may be smaller and lighter in color. What affect this will have on fall foliage is unknown at this time. Small trees or trees that are already compromised by environmental factors or disease may have a harder time with recovery. Date source: Josh Halman, VT Dept Forest, Parks & Recreation
