Winter in regions like the Midwest and Northeast (hello, Cleveland!) can be brutal on your landscape. From freezing temperatures to harsh winds, ice storms, and heavy snow loads, your shrubs and trees need a little help to survive the season in good shape.
Whether you’re dealing with young trees, broadleaf evergreens, or delicate ornamentals, this guide will show you how to protect your plants from winter damage — and ensure they bounce back stronger in spring.
Why Winter Can Be So Damaging
Winter stress affects trees and shrubs in multiple ways:
| Threat | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Freeze-Thaw Cycles | Cause root heaving or bark splitting |
| Drying Winds | Pull moisture from leaves and needles (especially evergreens) |
| Heavy Snow/Ice | Break branches and deform shape |
| Salt Spray | Damages leaf buds and roots near roads or walkways |
| Animal Browsing | Deer and rabbits strip bark and eat tender growth |
Plants don’t die from cold alone — it’s dehydration, mechanical damage, and sudden temperature shifts that get them.
1. Mulch the Root Zone
Why:
Mulch acts like a blanket for your plant’s roots, helping regulate temperature and retain moisture in frozen soil.
How:
- Apply 2–4 inches of mulch (shredded leaves, bark, wood chips) around the base.
- Keep mulch 2–3 inches away from trunks or stems to avoid rot or rodent nesting.
Best done in late fall, before the ground freezes.
2. Wrap Trunks and Protect Against Sunscald
Especially important for:
- Young trees (maples, fruit trees, ornamental trees)
- Trees with thin bark
How:
- Use tree wrap or white plastic trunk guards
- Wrap from the base up to the lowest branch
- Apply in late fall, remove in early spring
Sunscald happens when winter sun warms the bark during the day, then freezing temps at night cause it to split.
3. Shield Against Windburn
For:
- Broadleaf evergreens like boxwood, rhododendron, holly, laurel
- Newly planted conifers
Solutions:
- Use burlap screens or windbreak fences on the windward side
- Spray with anti-desiccant (wilt-proofing spray) in late fall and again mid-winter
- Water thoroughly before winter — dry roots = higher wind damage risk
Position burlap 6–12 inches away from plant to allow airflow while blocking wind.
4. Prevent Snow and Ice Damage
What to watch for:
- Snow buildup splitting branches
- Ice storms weighing down shrubs
What to do:
- Gently brush off snow with a broom (always upwards, not down!)
- Never shake icy branches — you’ll cause more damage
- Use soft ties or garden twine to loosely bundle arborvitae or upright shrubs to prevent splaying
Tall evergreens and columnar plants are most at risk.
5. Guard Against Salt Damage
Common near:
- Driveways, sidewalks, and roadways
What helps:
- Lay down a thick mulch buffer near roadsides
- Erect plastic or burlap barriers between plants and salted areas
- Choose calcium chloride-based ice melts — less harmful than rock salt
In early spring, flush salt-exposed soil with water to reduce buildup.
6. Protect from Animal Damage
Threats:
- Rabbits, mice, and deer chew bark, buds, and stems
Solutions:
- Wrap trunks with hardware cloth or plastic tree guards (especially young trees)
- Spray organic repellents or set up fencing for deer-prone areas
- Clear away snow and mulch near trunks to reduce rodent nesting
Winter wildlife are hungry and persistent — be proactive.
Key Takeaways
- Winter stress is real — but preventable with the right prep.
- Mulch, water, wrap, and screen are your best defenses.
- Protect young, evergreen, or exposed plants first.
- Don’t wait until winter starts — prep in late fall for best results.
This Article Was Brought to You By…
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