After a Hard Freeze: Assessing and Recovering Frost-Damaged Shamel Ash and Evergreen Elm

Situation

Phoenix area, 17°F freeze. Fifty 50-gallon Shamel Ash and Evergreen Elms planted spring 2006. Only one Evergreen Elm leafed out. Green growth visible on trunks of others.

Prognosis

Root systems are likely alive and will resprout. Tops may be dead. Do not remove trees yet.

Recovery Plan

1. Wait and observe through summer.
2. Prune dead wood once sprouts emerge.
3. Select a leader: Late summer, choose the tallest, straightest sprout; mark it. Remove other sprouts.
4. Accept temporary bush form—the tree will look shrubby for a while.
5. Fertilize established roots to support regrowth.

Economic Consideration

With a healthy root system, rehabilitating these trees is far cheaper than $2000 replacement.