Winter Damage

The primary cause of winter injury is desiccation, a condition caused by overdrying of plant foliage. Insufficient moisture in the ground prior to the onset of winter often causes this condition. The drying effects of cold winter winds add to this, causing plants to lose moisture through their leaves. Then, rather than rain water seeping into the ground in winter, the frozen soil causes it to run off. Unusually cold temperatures contribute to winter damage, and heavy snow and ice can cause branches to break. Broad-leaved evergreens such as Camellias, Hollies, and Rhododendrons are more susceptible to winter damage. Proper plant selection, location, and preventative maintenance can help to protect your landscape. Prevention is much more effective than repair. Consider the following to prevent winter injury.

PLANT SELECTION AND LOCATION

• Select plants that are reliably winter hardy in your growing area
• Broad leafed evergreens such as Aucuba, Azalea, Camellia, Euonymus, Holly, Magnolia, Pyracantha, etc. are the most susceptible to injury
• Plant susceptible plants in a sheltered location, keeping them out of exposed, windy sites
• Avoid planting in areas with heavy snowdrift caused by snowplowing, along rooflines, etc.
• Select trees with sturdy branching patterns and strong wood

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

• Water slowly and deeply before harsh winter conditions begin, and during winter when temperatures are above freezing
• Apply mulch 3" deep to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperatures
• Apply an anti-desiccant such as Wilt-Pruf when temperatures are over 40
• Insulate tender plants such as Figs, Camellias, and container plantings with straw, bark mulch, or dry leaves
• Brush heavy snow from evergreens like Boxwood, Holly, Laurel, Japanese Maples etc, to prevent breakage
• Avoid applying fertilizer in late summer
• Construct a temporary wind screen or wrap plants in burlap to protect from the wind
• Prune structurally weak branches
• As food sources decline, wildlife damage to landscape plants will increase. Use repellents where deer browsing is a problem. Ask about PermaTill with VoleBloc to prevent vole damage
• Use magnesium chloride (available at Merrifield) for de-icing, rather than sodium chloride, to avoid plant damage
•  To protect plants from salts, use birdseed or sand for traction in slippery areas