Morning Edition

How are Minnesota's trees faring during this warm winter? An expert explains

A number of branches with ice
Ice covers tree branches in Moorhead, Minn., on Monday, Dec. 25, 2023.
Dan Gunderson | MPR News

We all know this winter has been unseasonably warm this week; the Twin Cities broke a record hitting 50 degrees on Monday, and Mother Nature stands to break even more as the week progresses.

The weirdly warm and dry weather has potential consequences for the natural world, including Minnesota’s trees. Lee Frelich, director of the University of Minnesota Center for Forest Ecology, shared his insight with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition.

Listen to the conversation by clicking on the player above.