Protecting Evergreens From Winter Burn

Wrap, Shield, and Shelter: Protecting Evergreens From Winter Burn

When icy winds whip through your yard and the sun reflects off snowbanks, your beautiful evergreens take a beating. Winter burn and windburn - those bronzed or browned patches that appear in late winter - can strike Hollies, Boxwoods, Arborvitae, and other evergreen bushes.

Protecting broadleaf evergreens from the chill isn’t just about survival - it’s about keeping your landscape lush, green, and healthy year-round.

From burlap wraps and windbreaks to watering and anti-desiccant sprays, this guide shows how to wrap, shield, and shelter your evergreens through the coldest months.

Landscaping Uses: Where and Why Winter Burn Happens

Winter burn happens when the moisture loss from evergreen needles or leaves exceeds what roots can replace. It’s a combination of frozen soil, bright sun, and dry winter air. You’ll often see it on the south and southwest sides of plants or on exposed hills and wind-swept yards.

Windburn can also happen when plants are exposed to drying northern winds.

Commonly affected evergreens include:

• Boxwoods
• Arborvitae
• Holly bushes
• Rhododendrons and Azaleas
• Evergreen shrubs like False Cypress, Yews, and Junipers

Protecting these landscape staples keeps your year-round foundation plantings and ornamental hedges looking great come spring.

Use winter protection if you:

• Have new plantings (less than 2 years old)
• Live in windy, exposed, or high-sun areas, or have predominantly drying, northern winds
• Experience frequent freeze-thaw cycles or dry winter conditions

Care & Maintenance: Step-by-Step Evergreen Protection

1. Water Well Before Freeze-Up
   Late fall watering is critical. Give your evergreens a deep soak before the ground freezes to fill root zones with moisture. Pay extra attention to newly planted shrubs and trees. Learn the right way to water for the best results.
   
   
2. Mulch Generously
   Apply 3-4 inches of shredded bark or pine needles around the base of each plant. Mulch keeps soil moisture stable and protects shallow roots from extreme temperature swings.
   
   
3. Wrap or Screen Wind-Exposed Plants

Use breathable burlap or landscape fabric to create windbreaks. Drive stakes into the ground around the plant and wrap burlap around the stakes - but not directly against the foliage - to form a protective barrier.

Avoid plastic, which traps moisture and encourages mold and powdery mildew. Smaller shrubs can have evergreen bows loosely piled over them as protection.

4. Apply Anti-Desiccant Sprays
   Products like Wilt Stop or similar anti-desiccants help seal in moisture on broadleaf evergreens such as Holly, Boxwood, and Rhododendron. Apply on a dry, above-freezing day in late fall, and repeat mid-winter if temperatures allow. Proper winter watering adds lasting protection.
   
   
5. Protect from Sun Scorch and Windburn
   Erect temporary shade screens on the south and southwest sides of vulnerable plants or use light-colored burlap to diffuse harsh sunlight. Try adding barricades, like fences or trellises, to block the wind while beautifying your landscape.
   
   
6. Gently Brush Off Snow, But Never Knock Ice
   Use a broom or gloved hand to remove heavy snow loads, brushing upward. Never shake or hit frozen branches - brittle limbs can snap easily. This gentle care helps your plants maintain their winter interest through the cold season.
   
   
7. Don’t Forget Container Evergreens
   Move potted evergreens, like Dwarf Alberta Spruce or Sky Pencil Holly, into sheltered spots such as against a wall or inside an unheated (but well-lit) garage. Wrap pots with burlap or bubble wrap for insulation. Follow tips for low-maintenance winter care to keep them thriving.

Evergreen Endurance: Keep Your Landscape Lush All Winter

Protecting evergreens from winter burn is one of those small fall chores that pays big dividends come spring. Once the snow melts, your Hollies will stay glossy, your Boxwoods green, and your Arborvitae full and lush - ready to anchor your landscape with fresh new growth in the spring.

A little wrap, water, and wind protection now will help your evergreens shrug off winter’s bite and bounce right back when mother nature warms things up again! For more cold-weather care tips, check out how to protect plants during winter.

Happy Planting!