As we move fully into spring, it’s a great time to look at how shifting weather patterns are affecting the health of trees and shrubs here in Richmond.
Weather plays a big role in plant health. Winters that switch between warm days and sudden cold snaps can be tough on trees and shrubs. When we get warm spells, plants can start to “wake up” early. If cold weather comes back quickly, that new growth can get damaged. You might see brown leaves, cracked bark, dying branch tips, or buds that don’t open in spring.
Evergreen trees and shrubs can have a harder time in winter too. They keep their leaves all year, so they still lose water. But when the ground is frozen, their roots can’t pull up much moisture to replace it. That can lead to dry or damaged leaves which we refer to as winter burn.
Too much rain is another problem. When soil stays wet for too long, roots can’t get enough air. This can weaken plants over time and sometimes cause root rot. Wet conditions also help fungus grow. You may see spots on leaves, mildew, or branches starting to decline.
Big temperature swings can also stress plants. Warm early spring days followed by late freezes, or long periods of summer heat, force trees and shrubs to keep adjusting. Over time, this weakens them. Heat can also dry out leaves, slow growth, and increase how much water the plant needs.
These stresses also affect insects and disease. Weak plants are easier targets. Insects like borers often go after stressed trees. You may also see more aphids, mites, or scale when plants are struggling. Weather also affects pest numbers. Milder winters can let more insects survive, while wet weather can increase fungus problems.
All of this works together. When weather stresses trees and shrubs, it makes them weaker, and pests take advantage of that. The good news is that with regular care and early attention, many of these problems can be caught early and managed.
What homeowners should look for
When you’re out looking around your yard this spring, here are a few things to watch for:
- Branch tips that are slow to leaf out or stay bare
- Leaves that are brown, dry, or look burnt
- Trees or shrubs that look thinner than normal
- Mushrooms or fungus growing near the base
- Cracks in bark or areas that look soft or sunken
- More insects than usual and “sticky” leaves
- Soil that stays wet for a long time after rain
Catching these early can make a big difference in keeping your trees and shrubs healthy through the season.
-Ben Williamson, April 2026