Unusual cold snap this winter... is this newly planted tree going to make it?

[thenewguy]

Apologies if this isn't the place for a question like this. I figured there were lots of knowledgeable folks here, so it was worth a shot :-)


Long story short - we planted a Mexican White Oak (also known as Monterrey Oak) in the yard this past October. Then in Feb, we had an unprecedented cold snap, in which temps were down in the low single digits, and stayed below freezing for well over a week - both of which are very unusual for Central Texas.

Now, well into spring, the tree has been looking pretty sad. Most branches do have some leaves on them... but much smaller than normal for this type of tree, and fewer of them (see pics of when we planted it vs now). I'm wondering if it's just taking a while to recover from the winter? Or if there's been permanent damage? I suspect that it's likely too soon to know for sure. Anything I should be doing to help it? Pruning?

Thanks for any advice!

[Sibley]

I would make sure it's adequately watered, you don't want to add that stress onto it. I also wouldn't prune anything. Just leave it alone and see if it survives, don't decide anything until next year.

[oldladystache]

My opinion - Since it has new leaves it's probably going to be OK. I've had trees that looked terrible after unusually cold weather, and they survived. But I'm no expert.

[RetiredAt63]

I agree with Sibley, be sure it is not further stressed.

At some point you will know what is dead wood.  When you do decide to prune it, don't just cut back to live wood, prune for shape.  I don't know for your region and this tree what is the best time to prune, ask locally. 

[Rosy]

I agree with Sibley, be sure it is not further stressed.

At some point you will know what is dead wood.  When you do decide to prune it, don't just cut back to live wood, prune for shape.  I don't know for your region and this tree what is the best time to prune, ask locally.

Agreed - give it some TLC, make sure it has water and fertilizer to help it recover.
Keep an eye on it during the summer heat.
In my experience the first two years of a tree are critical, by year three it is usually established and has strong enough roots to survive the occasional summer or winter stress.