Helmock Tree Turning Orange

Observation by Mike Brubaker: Hiking from the Flattop Trailhead to the Powerline on Sunday we noticed that the needles on the Hemlock trees were turning a bright orange. Later driving down from the parking lot we saw more of the same. Trees along the road with this same condition.

Comment by Gino Graziano: We have seen a lot of winterburn in conifers, primarily spruce, and this looks very similar. Winterburn happens with dry wind and cold conditions during the winter. The needles will dessicate and turn yellow/orange in the spring before dropping. The condition isn't lethal for the tree, though those branches may die out.