Preventing Winter Burn on your Evergreens
Say goodbye to winter burn and hello to healthier hedges! Ever step outside in early spring, look at your evergreens, and wonder why they’re brown, dry, or looking a little… crispy? 😬 Don’t worry — you’re not alone! Winter burn on evergreens is a common issue, but the good news is it’s preventable with just a little TLC before the deep freeze sets in.
Here's your quick guide to keeping your evergreens lush and green through the winter — and how we can help!
What Causes Winter Burn on Evergreens?
Even though they’re called evergreens, that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. Here’s what’s really going on when your evergreens turn brown in spring:
Cold winds dry out the foliage faster than roots can rehydrate it — especially if the ground is frozen.
Sun + wind = major moisture loss from the needles (a process called desiccation).
Deer damage can also contribute to bare spots and stress during winter.
And yes — not enough water going into winter makes it worse.
Water Well Before the Ground Freezes
One of the most important things you can do to help your evergreens survive winter is water them deeply in late fall — right up until the ground freezes. Moisture in the soil helps the plant stay hydrated even when the air is dry and cold.
✅ Pro tip: Pay special attention to new plantings, boxwoods, arborvitae, and anything exposed to strong winter winds.
Spray On Some Protection with Wilt Stop
Want to give your evergreens a real boost? Use Bonide Wilt Stop — an anti-desiccant spray that coats the needles and locks in moisture. It creates a protective layer that reduces water loss during winter’s drying winds and freezing temps.
Use it on:
Boxwoods, arborvitae, yews, and pines
Newly planted evergreens
Holiday greens and cut branches (helps them stay fresh longer!)
We carry Bonide Wilt Stop in-store — grab a bottle before winter hits!
Got Wind? Wrap It Up with Burlap
If your evergreens are in an open or windy location, consider wrapping them in breathable burlap. It acts like a windbreak, preventing the worst of the moisture loss and shielding them from harsh gusts.
Great for tall arborvitaes, boxwood hedges, and exposed evergreens
Also helps prevent deer damage — win-win!
Just be sure not to wrap too tight — air flow is important.
We sell burlap and everything else you need to give your greens a cozy winter blanket.
Stop Trimming by Mid-August!
Late summer is the cutoff for pruning most evergreens. Why?
Trimming too late stimulates new growth, which won’t harden off in time for cold weather.
That soft new growth is the first to suffer from winter burn.
So if you haven’t trimmed yet — it’s better to wait until early spring to shape things up!
Quick Evergreen Winter Care Checklist
✅ Water deeply before the ground freezes
✅ Apply Wilt Stop spray to lock in moisture
✅ Wrap with burlap in windy or deer-prone areas
❌ Don’t prune in fall — stop by mid-August
✅ Use Wilt Stop on cut holiday greens to keep them fresher longer