Learn / Ask The Landscape Professional
Two weeks ago, you answered a question about browning evergreens and winter damage. I see that happening almost every year at my house and it's pretty stressful. Is there anything I can do?
Answer
Yes, there is. Let me expand a bit on my answer of two
weeks ago when I wrote about a process called "desiccation"
which is the plant "drying out" as more water leaves
the plant through the foliage than it takes in through its
roots.
Depending on the severity of the winter damage, there may
not be anything you need to do, other than water when
the ground thaws. If there is needle loss in the case of
evergreens, new buds may form in the spring and eventually
fill-in the damaged branch areas. So wait and see
what happens in the spring. After the new growth emerges,
you should be able to see the completely dead branches
from the ones that are alive. On the live ones, cut the dead
section back to 1/4" above the live bud.
A really important thing to prevent further winter damage is to make sure that the plant gets
plenty of water in the summer. You don't want to head into the next winter with a plant with a
water deficit. Previously damaged plants should get 1 " of water a week, paying special attention
to them if there is a summer dry spell. This watering will re-invigorate the plant and help it
withstand the cold, dry winter. Also, when winter comes, if the days are above freezing, get the
hose out and give those plants a good, deep watering. Also, it's always good to put 3-4" of thick
mulch rings around the base of trees and shrubs which helps the soil retain the moisture and
keeps the ground from freezing as often. In certain areas, a necessary and very helpful thing to
do is to erect a burlap shield or windbreak. In past winters, we have actually built burlap wraps
around certain species of Arborvitae which helped to protect them from winter burn. Sometimes
the right thing to do is to relocate the tree or shrub to a more protected area out of the wind or
replace it with a more hearty variety.
Yearly winter damage to trees and shrubs tends to affect the vigor of the plant, but with a few
prudent actions earlier in the year, most issues can be avoided. If you need any help in protecting
and preparing your shrubs and trees for the winter or relocating or choosing heartier specimens
in the spring, give Sprigs & Twigs a call, we'd be happy to help.
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About Linda Lillie
Linda K. Lillie is the President of Sprigs & Twigs, Inc, the premier
landscape design and maintenance, tree care, lawn care, stonework, and carpentry
service provider in southeastern Connecticut since 1997. She is a graduate of
Connecticut College in Botany, a Connecticut Master Gardener and a national
award winning landscape designer for her landscape design and landscape installation work.
