Funny times one day it feels spring, one day winter, the next
autumn, all the time days getting longer. Trees are waiting
for signs of spring, to trigger sap flowing, buds growing and then
bursting, leading to new leaves.
If the warm weather convinces trees spring is here, followed by
a late frost, the buds or new leaves can be damaged.
Whilst the tree can recover, it may not produce this years
growth, it may reflush with new leaves or it may have
damaged leaves (reducing photosynthesis).
The result of any of these is a reduction in energy into the
tree and an increase in energy spent. All bad news for the tree,
which can be amplified by a tough dry, hot summer