Trees and shrubs are winterized in fall by watering deeply until the ground freezes, mulching the root zone, pruning weak branches, and wrapping or screening plants exposed to sun and wind. Snow laden shrubs and evergreens also benefit from supports and an antitranspirant, a spray that slows water loss from foliage.

Why does a harsh winter damage trees and shrubs?

Because frozen ground keeps roots from replacing the water that wind and sun pull from branches and evergreen foliage, a stress called winter drought. Snow and ice add weight that can split limbs, and rapid swings above and below freezing can crack bark on a trunk's sunniest side.

Which fall tasks prepare trees and shrubs for winter?

Watering, mulching, pruning, and feeding. Deep watering continues until the ground freezes, and a layer of organic mulch around the base, kept clear of the trunk, holds moisture and buffers root temperature. Pruning starts with smaller, weaker branches, which break most easily under snow. In fall, TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer feeds the roots with slow release nitrogen, within the fall to mid spring window suited to most northern climates.

How are trees and shrubs protected from snow, sun, and wind?

With supports, wraps, and coatings. Snow prone shrubs are fitted with a tepee of flexible bamboo rods, as the shrub winterizing guide describes, and branches of larger evergreens are tied up with rope. Tree wrap protects thin bark from winter sun, and screens stretched between stakes block harsh wind. Wilt Pruf Plant Protector Ready to Use Spray, a pine oil antitranspirant, protects evergreens such as holly and boxwood from drying winter wind.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are hedges protected under a roofline?

With a plywood tent over the hedge, which sheds snow sliding off the roof and dripping icicles.

Is it too late to winterize after the first frost?

No. Watering, mulching, and wrapping can continue until the ground freezes.

When does winter protection come off?

In spring, once hard freezes have passed, so wraps and covers do not hold moisture against the bark as temperatures rise.

Do deciduous trees need winter protection too?

Mostly deep watering and mulch, plus trunk wrap for young or thin barked trees.