DES MOINES — Iowa Department of Natural Resources foresters are anticipating reports of moderate to severe winter burn damage to arborvitae and white pine trees across Iowa.

“The ground remains frozen, but the ambient temperatures have been above freezing,” explained Tivon Feeley, DNR forest health forester. “The tree is forced to use their water reserves in the needles, but can’t absorb new water from the frozen soil. The lack of water causes the trees to dry out.”