How the Hottest March on Record May Impact Your Property March 2026 was the hottest March ever recorded in the United States, and April has also brought unseasonably hot weather in many states, according to federal weather data. Plants are waking up early, leafing out and blooming before the last frost, whilehistorically low snowpack is driving drought conditions across the West – leaving soils depleted, root systems weakened and plants stressed. The damage may not yet be noticeable, but the record-dry winter followed by summer-like heat waves this spring is quietly undermining the resilience of your trees, shrubs, and lawn and making them more vulnerable to pests and disease as the season progresses. SavATree’s Plant Health Care Director and ISA Certified Arborist® Patrick Parker shares what is happening and what you can do about it. The Freeze-Thaw Trap Record warmth in March pushed plants out of dormancy weeks ahead of schedule. Buds have swollen, new shoots have emerged, and some trees and shrubs are leafing out as though it is late spring. But freezing temperatures are still possible across most of these states into April and even May. That new growth coaxed by false warmth has almost no tolerance for frost. A single hard freeze now can kill the most productive parts of a tree or shrub for the entire season. Tips from SavATree’s lead arborist: Monitor overnight forecasts closely through spring. If a freeze is forecast, cover vulnerable shrubs and newly leafed-out ornamental trees with frost cloth, not plastic. Hold off any pruning of frost-damaged tissue until temperatures are reliably warm; what looks dead may still recover. Contact an ISA Certified Arborist® if you are unsure whether damage is beyond recovery. Root-Canopy Mismatch Dry soil can slow root growth and water and nutrient uptake, which creates a mismatch in root and canopy growth. When heat accelerates leaf and bud development while roots are still waking, the plant is utilizing energy it doesn’t have to give. It is spending water and energy on new growth faster than roots can supply either. This is particularly damaging to trees that were already stressed going into this season and to shrubs with shallower root systems. Tips from SavATree’s lead arborist: Speak to a certified arborist about fertilization needs. Fertilizer pushes more growth, which demands more water and energy. It’s best to confirm with your arborist when the optimal timing is to fertilize based on these record temperatures. Consult with your arborist to determine if your trees could benefit from deep root fertilization, which helps deliver lost nutrients directly to the root system of your trees, when temperatures stabilize. If a tree or shrub looks like it is struggling to hold its new leaves, and you notice wilting, curling, or early leaf drop, have an arborist assess root health before the problem compounds. Consider a biostimulant like SavATree’s ArborKelp® to improve root absorption and restore drought-stressed soil. Check for increased tree pests like borers, scales, and mites as stressed trees attract these troublesome insects. Soil Moisture Evaporation With little to no snowmelt coming and below-normal precipitation across most of the West this spring, soils are exposed to intense sun and heat without the protective canopy that normally develops gradually. Bare or sparsely covered soil loses moisture rapidly to evaporation, so what little water is in the ground disappears before plant roots can reach it. Tips from SavATree’s lead arborist: Apply a 3-to-4-inch layer of organic mulch under the canopy. Ideally, mulch should extend out to the dripline and cover the entire area of soil under the canopy. This acts as insulation for the soil, slows evaporation, and moderates soil temperature. Apply organic soil enhancers to improve moisture retention, root development, and soil structure and protect against further drought stress. For lawns, raise the mowing height. Taller grass shades the soil, retains moisture, and reduces heat stress, which invites weeds and pests. Do not cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. Snowpack Collapse Western landscapes depend on mountain snowpack as a slow-release water source that feeds soil moisture and groundwater through late spring and summer. This year, that system has essentially failed Colorado, California, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, (and by proxy) New Mexico and Arizona. Snowpack across the western U.S. is at historically low levels in early April 2026, with several regions reporting record-low snow water equivalent for this time of year. In the Colorado River Basin and surrounding areas, snowpack has fallen below normal, reaching only 20-30% of the annual average. There is no alternative source for that water, so soil moisture reserves are being depleted far earlier than normal. This means irrigation systems, municipal water supplies, and well-fed landscapes will all feel the strain much sooner than in years past. Tips from SavATree’s lead arborist: Begin deep, infrequent watering now rather than waiting for visible stress. Deep watering encourages roots to follow moisture downward, building drought resilience before summer heat peaks. Consider a supplemental hydration service like SavATree’s ArborWatering or Recharge (R) (available in select markets only), which will help promote stronger, more drought-resistant roots. Check with your local water authority about restrictions that may already be in effect or are coming. Act Now for Summer Success Summer is likely to be unusually hard on landscapes due to record-low snowpack, drought expanding across nearly 60% of the country, and soil starting off depleted entering the growing season. Properties that receive proper attention before peak heat arrives are significantly better positioned to come through the season healthy. If you are uncertain about the condition of your trees, shrubs, or lawn, an ISA Certified Arborist® can provide a complimentary consultation of your property and build an action plan before the damage compounds.