Delayed Budbreak in Indiana Trees: Spring 2025 Weather Could Be the Cause
Spring is a time of renewal, but if your trees seem slower to leaf out this year, you’re not alone. Across northern Indiana, many property owners are noticing delayed or sporadic budbreak in trees like maple, tulip poplar, and sweetgum.
At Wells Lawn Care, we’re tracking the cause of this widespread issue—and what it means for your landscape.
What Is Delayed Budbreak?
Delayed budbreak refers to trees taking longer than usual to produce new leaves or flowers in spring. In 2025, some Indiana trees are leafing out weeks later than expected, or not at all. While some eventually recover, others are struggling with patchy or uneven growth.
If your trees appear bare or are only producing leaves in certain spots, this could be a symptom of inconsistent bud development caused by environmental stress.
Could Winter Cold Be to Blame?
Indiana winters can be harsh, but this season’s temperatures weren’t extreme enough to cause bud damage.
In South Bend, for example, the lowest temperature recorded was -5°F, well within the tolerance range for trees like maples and sweetgums. So, winter injury doesn’t appear to be the culprit.
The Real Issue: Fall & Spring Temperature Swings
The more likely explanation lies in rapid temperature fluctuations during fall and spring. Trees begin dormancy in response to shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures. To exit dormancy, they must receive a specific number of chilling hours, defined as time spent in temperatures between 32°F and 45°F.
These chilling hours “reset” the tree and prepare it for new growth. But if spring temperatures bounce back and forth between warm and cold (as they did in 2025), buds may begin to break early, only to be shocked by late-season freezes.
This start-stop pattern disrupts healthy growth and can delay full budbreak.
Tree-Specific Chilling Hour Requirements & the Risks of Falling Short
Sugar Maple
Required: 1,000 – 1,200 Chilling Hours
If Not Met:
Delayed bud development
Sparse or uneven leaf growth
Weak spring emergence
Tulip Poplar
Required: 800–1,000 chilling hours
If Not Met:
Late leaf-out
Reduced flowering
Stunted early growth
Sweetgum
Required: 600–1,000 chilling hours
If Not Met:
Patchy or staggered foliage
Decreased vigor
Poor overall appearance
Chilling Hours Were Met, So Why the Delay?
In 2024–2025, data from Valparaiso shows that chilling hour totals exceeded 1,300, well above the requirements for most Indiana species. This means the issue isn’t a lack of dormancy fulfillment.
Instead, the likely cause is the erratic spring weather, which created conditions where some buds started to grow early and were then halted by sudden cold spells. This leads to staggered growth, poor foliage distribution, and, in some cases, bud dieback.
What Can Homeowners Do?
If you notice trees on your property struggling with leaf-out or showing patchy growth, don’t panic. Most will recover naturally, especially with proper landscape maintenance and watering support. However, for peace of mind or more serious concerns:
- Avoid pruning or fertilizing trees under stress
- Contact Wells Lawn Care for expert guidance and spring tree care
- Submit a sample to the Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab (PPDL)
Trust Wells Lawn Care for Expert Tree Health Support
At Wells Lawn Care, we are dedicated to diagnosing and managing tree issues in Indiana, particularly those arising from the unpredictable weather patterns of the region. If your trees are facing challenges such as delayed budbreak, stunted growth, or other seasonal stressors, our team is ready to provide expert care and landscape guidance specifically designed for Stinesville and the broader Indiana area.
Contact Wells Lawn Care today for expert tree evaluations and personalized care. We’ll help your landscape recover, thrive, and stay healthy year-round. Visit Wells Lawn Care Monthly Packages to learn more and get started today!