Winter-damaged tissue may allow the entry of disease organisms and insects. Root systems, especially shallow ones, may be injured by cold. The damaged root systems fail and the top of the plant may thin and start to die. Before pruning a sad-looking plant to almost nothing or pulling it out altogether, check to see if it is still alive. Scrape the bark away with a fingernail or make a shallow slant cut just under the bark with a pocket knife.
Live branches are bright green or white just beneath the bark.
Dead branches are brown and may be soggy. Sometimes faded green branches may begin to regrow and do not die. What to Do for Winter-Injured Plants 1 Don't do anything until late spring when new growth begins on the live wood and does not begin on the dead wood. Then prune to remove dead wood. Before doing anything, check to be sure the crown is alive.