Winter can be tough on our evergreens here in Massachusetts, where snow, ice, and chilly winds can leave our beloved trees looking a bit worse for wear by spring.
As we head into winter and prepare for a season of snow and cold, you might be wondering how to protect your evergreen trees from extreme weather conditions.
One common issue, known as winter burn on evergreens, can be especially frustrating for Massachusetts homeowners. It can leave your vibrant evergreens brown and damaged, making them look like they’ve been “burned” by winter itself.
Let’s talk about ways you can protect your trees before winter sets in and how to help your trees recover if they do experience winter burn.
What Does Winter Burn Look Like On Evergreens?
Winter burn on evergreens, like conifers and broad-leaf evergreens is easy to recognize once you know what to look for. Here are the key sign and symptoms:
- Color: Winter burn often results in browning or yellowing, especially at the tips of needles or leaves. The discolored foliage might show up on one side of the tree, usually the side facing the prevailing wind, as cold, dry winter air is a major contributor.
- Texture: Damaged needles and leaves may feel brittle or dry to the touch, and the affected parts can feel stiff compared to the more pliant, healthy sections.
- Dropping: Severely affected parts of the tree may begin to drop needles and leaves. This can happen throughout the winter and early spring, as damaged parts become more evident.
With these telltale signs in mind, you’ll be able to monitor your trees for winter burn as the season progresses and take action to prevent more damage.
Can Evergreens Recover From Winter Burn?
Can trees recover from winter burn? Yes, but it depends on the extent of the damage. Light winter burn is often superficial and can recover once new growth begins in the spring. But more severe cases may result in permanent loss of foliage.
Evergreens have a natural ability to replace lost or damaged needles over time. While brown needles won’t turn green again, new growth in the spring can fill in bare areas, slowly restoring the tree’s shape and color.
In some cases, light pruning of severely damaged sections can promote fresh growth, but be cautious not to over-prune, as this can stress the tree further.
Recovery from winter burn can be slow. Arborvitae, pines, and spruces might take a full growing season or more to recover completely, but with proper care, they’ll often regain their former vitality. The same is true of broad leaf evergreens such as rhododendrons.
How to Protect Evergreens From Winter Burn
Preventing winter burn is all about providing protection from the harsh conditions that cause it in the first place. Here are some tips:
- Proper Watering Before Winter: One of the most effective ways to prevent winter burn on trees is by watering your evergreens well going into winter. Trees that are fully hydrated are better equipped to withstand dry, cold winter winds.
- Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the tree helps insulate the roots and retain moisture. Aim for a 2- to 4-inch layer of shredded hardwood mulch around the drip line of the tree, but leave space around the trunk itself.
- Wind Shielding: Burlap wraps can be highly effective in protecting smaller evergreens from winter burn, particularly in windy, exposed areas. Applied properly, these wraps act as a wind barrier, preventing harsh winter gusts from drying out needles.
At Hartney Greymont, we have both ISA and Massachusetts-certified arborists located in Needham, Concord, Danvers, Cape Cod, and the surrounding areas who can help you take care of your evergreens during winter.
Learn How To Winterize Your Trees And Shrubs In Massachusetts.
