Winter can be tough on evergreen trees. When cold, dry winds hit, they can pull moisture right from the needles, leaving them brown, brittle, and damaged. This is what’s known as winter burn, and it’s a common problem in colder climates. If you want to protect trees from winter burn, there are a few key steps to take.
What Causes Winter Burn?
Winter burn is basically when trees lose moisture so fast that they can’t replace it in time, leaving them dry and brittle. Unlike deciduous trees that drop their leaves, evergreens keep their needles all year. Since they are there all year round, that means they need water even during the freezing winters. When the ground is frozen, the roots struggle to absorb moisture, and the harsh winds definitely don’t help either. The result? Dry, scorched-looking foliage that may not recover come spring.
Young trees, newly planted evergreens, and species like arborvitae, boxwood, and certain pines are especially vulnerable. But if you want to make room for a new tree and need some help from tree removing professionals to get rid of your old one, we got you covered!
How to Protect Trees From Winter Burn
Preventing winter burn starts long before the first snowfall. A combination of proper watering, mulching, and protective barriers can make a huge difference in keeping your evergreens healthy through the cold months.
Deep Watering in Fall
A dry tree going into winter is far more likely to suffer, so to protect trees from winter burn, it could be as simple as just watering it more. In the fall, keep up with watering right up until the ground freezes. A deep soak before winter helps trees hold onto as much moisture as possible. Focus especially on the roots, and don’t just rely on rainfall, sometimes it’s not consistent or enough at all to keep your trees satisfied.
Mulching for Moisture Retention
A thick layer of mulch around the base of your trees not only helps it maintain that moisture, but it also helps regulate soil temperature too. Use organic mulch like wood chips, bark, or straw, and spread it in a ring around the tree, make sure you leave a few inches of space around the trunk or else you’ll get some unwanted rot. This creates insulation that keeps the roots from freezing as quickly and helps prevent moisture loss.
Wind Barriers and Burlap Wraps
If your trees are in a spot that gets blasted with cold winter winds, a physical barrier can help. Burlap wraps or windbreaks made from stakes and fabric can cut down on exposure. For young or newly planted trees, this added layer of protection can make a huge difference. Wrap loosely to allow some airflow while still reducing direct wind impact.
Anti-Desiccant Sprays
An anti-desiccant spray coats the needles with a protective layer that reduces moisture loss. These sprays are typically made from natural oils or waxes, which are great for acting as a barrier against those harsh winter winds. You’d want to apply these in late fall on a dry day when it’s above freezing temperatures. Not all trees are the same so some might need you to apply it again later in the season.
Avoid Late-Season Trimming
Clipping your trees is great for getting rid of dead branches and promotes growth. But with new branches growing, these are delicate and more prone to winter burn. Hold off on trimming evergreens late in the season. If branches need shaping, do it in early fall or wait until spring. If you want to get your trees pruned but simply don’t have the time, our team at Dragonetti Tree Removal also offers professional tree care pruning in New York.
Provide Shade for Sensitive Trees
Winter sun can be just as damaging as the wind. When sunlight reflects off snow, it can intensify moisture loss and cause even more needle damage. You can help small or sensitive trees by giving it some temporary shading, like a burlap screen or placing them near structures that give shade, this way they’re less exposed to the harsh sunlight.
Spotting and Treating Winter Burn Damage
If you notice brown, crispy needles by late winter or early spring, winter burn is likely the cause. Unfortunately, once needles are damaged, they won’t turn green again. But that doesn’t mean the tree is dead. Wait until late spring before making any decisions about removing affected branches. Sometimes, trees just naturally push out new growth once the weather gets better.
Watering in early spring can help with recovery, especially if the damage isn’t that bad. If entire branches turn brown and don’t show signs of new growth by late spring, that is a sign to start trimming the tree.
Long-Term Care for Evergreen Health
If you want to protect trees from winter burn, it isn’t a one time thing, you have to help it build resilience for the many winters to come. Regular deep watering, proper mulching, and choosing the right location when planting all contribute to long-term tree health. Strong, well-established trees handle extreme weather better than stressed ones.
If winter burn is an issue that you have to deal with over and over again every winter, consider if your trees are in an overly exposed area. In some cases, just simply moving the tree somewhere else solves all the issues.
Final Thoughts
Winter burn is a frustrating problem, but there are many different and easy ways to protect trees from winter burn. Watering evergreens, shielding them from harsh winds, and using protective measures like burlap or anti-desiccant sprays can keep them looking healthy all year. If your trees have already suffered damage, patience and proper care in spring can help them recover.