Essential Winter Care for Trees and Evergreens

By Blake Jackson

The start of a new year often brings the coldest temperatures of the season, creating challenges for plant survival. Extremely low temperatures, frozen soil, sudden temperature shifts, drying winds, or low soil moisture can all threaten plants, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.

“Even with our best efforts, some damage is possible,” Trinklein said. “However, gardeners can reduce the chances of damage developing by following 10 simple tips.”

• Choose plants suited to your region. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map helps select perennials based on expected low temperatures.
• Plant trees and shrubs in well-drained soil unless they tolerate poor drainage, as soggy soil is one of the most harmful winter conditions.
• Water trees and shrubs well before the soil freezes, especially after dry fall conditions, because dormant plants continue losing water through bark and twigs.
• Apply mulch around the base of plants to retain moisture, reduce frost depth, and prevent frost heaving from temperature fluctuations.
• Avoid planting small trees or shrubs in containers outdoors; roots are more vulnerable to freezing than shoots.
• Wrap thin-barked or newly planted tree trunks with tree wrap or protective materials to prevent sunscald and frost cracking.
• Build windbreaks for newly planted or marginally hardy evergreens on the south and west sides to protect against winter sun and desiccation.
• Apply anti-desiccants to broad-leaved evergreens or new trees; ensure temperatures are above 40°F at application and repeat every 6-8 weeks.
• Tie branches of multi-stemmed evergreens to prevent ice or snow damage. Usually, snow-covered plants are best left untouched.
• In early spring, prune any winter-damaged branches and apply complete fertilizer in March or April to stimulate growth and repair.

“Trees and shrubs are an important part of the landscape and often represent a significant investment,” Trinklein said. “Both the investment and appearance of the landscape can be protected by following a few simple rules before the wrath of winter is upon us.”

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