Safeguarding Evergreens from Winter's Chill

Evergreens are the stalwarts of the winter landscape, providing a lush greenery when all else has faded. However, the cold months can be harsh on these steadfast plants. Winter burn can mar the beauty of evergreens, leaving them brown and desiccated come spring. Here are some essential tips on how to protect your evergreen trees and shrubs from winter's harsh effects.

 

Understanding Winter Burn

Winter burn occurs when evergreen foliage loses more water than the roots can absorb from the frozen ground, leading to desiccation. Harsh winds and winter sun exacerbate this problem by increasing the rate of evaporation. To prevent this, one can wrap susceptible trees and shrubs in burlap screens to shield them from wind and sun, while still allowing air circulation.

 

Water is Key

A common misconception is that plants do not need water during winter. On the contrary, watering evergreens before the ground freezes can provide them with a much-needed moisture reserve. Watering should be done deeply and thoroughly, ensuring that the roots are well-hydrated. This step is particularly crucial for newly planted evergreens that haven't yet established extensive root systems.

 

Mulching for Moisture Retention

Applying a generous layer of mulch around the base of evergreens can help retain soil moisture and protect roots from temperature extremes. Organic mulch such as wood chips or bark not only insulates the soil but also breaks down over time, improving soil structure and nutrient content. Be sure to keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and rodent damage.

 

The Role of Anti-Desiccants

Anti-desiccants are products that can be sprayed on evergreen foliage to reduce water loss. They form a protective layer that slows down evaporation. When used correctly, anti-desiccants are an effective tool in preventing winter burn.

An anti-desiccant treatment involves applying a mild substance that forms a thin, transparent film on and under leaf surfaces mimicking one of the trees’ natural defenses. This film acts as a moisture barrier, dramatically slowing the outward movement of water from a tree’s foliage.

Additionally, anti-desiccants help minimize sunscald, which is a condition resulting from white surfaces (anything covered in snow) reflecting sunlight onto, and ultimately burning, the foliage of the tree or shrub. However, they should be applied before temperatures drop too low and on a day when there is no precipitation expected.

The following types of landscape plants are most often susceptible to desiccation and hence are most commonly sprayed with an anti-desiccant:

• Broadleaf evergreens such as boxwood, holly, various laurels, andromedea, and rhododendron.
• Conifers such as arborvitae, cedar, cypress, juniper, select spruce, evergreen magnolia and pine.

 

Regular Inspections and Maintenance

Throughout the winter, it’s important to periodically check your evergreens for signs of stress, such as discolored or dry foliage. Pruning dead or damaged branches can prevent further injury and encourage healthy growth. Additionally, gently brushing off heavy snow from branches can reduce the risk of breakage, ensuring that your evergreens remain a vibrant part of your winter landscape.

 

Please schedule a site visit with your Almstead arborist so we can recommend the best winter care treatment and products for your evergreen trees and shrubs. We encourage you to schedule it as soon as possible because we have a limited window of opportunity to make the applications.