Seasonal Action Guide
How to Protect Trees and Shrubs Over Winter
The short answer
The best winter protection is done in fall: keep evergreens well watered through the growing season and right up until the soil freezes, then spread a few inches of mulch over the root zone to insulate the soil (never piled against the trunk). Well-hydrated plants going into winter resist winter burn far better than dry ones.
For evergreens exposed to harsh winter sun and wind, put up a burlap screen on stakes along the windward side rather than wrapping the plant tightly. Burlap breathes; black plastic doesn't and causes damaging temperature swings. Extension services are skeptical that anti-desiccant sprays reliably prevent winter burn, so don't rely on them as your main defense.
Do these in fall
- 1Water until freeze-up — Keep evergreens watered through fall and up until the soil freezes. Drought-stressed plants are far more prone to winter injury. Watering only in late fall doesn't undo a dry season.
- 2Mulch the root zone — Spread a few inches of wood chips or straw over the roots to keep soil temperatures steadier and reduce frost heaving of new plants; keep mulch off the trunk.
- 3Screen vulnerable evergreens — For yew, arborvitae, boxwood, and hollies in windy or sunny spots, set stakes and staple a burlap screen on the windward side, or spiral burlap loosely with air space. Remove wraps in late winter so damp cloth doesn't invite fungus.
⚠ Never wrap plants in black plastic — it heats up and freezes repeatedly on sunny winter days and injures the plant more than no cover at all.
About anti-desiccant sprays
Anti-desiccant (anti-transpirant) sprays are marketed to seal in leaf moisture, but Extension sources report the evidence for preventing evergreen winter burn is weak and inconsistent. Prioritize fall watering, mulch, and a burlap screen instead.
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.
- University of Minnesota Extension — Protecting trees and shrubs in winter — Water evergreens until the soil freezes, mulch the root zone, and shield evergreens from winter sun and wind with burlap; anti-desiccant sprays are not a reliable defense against winter burn.
- University of New Hampshire Extension — How do I protect my trees and shrubs from winter damage? — Erect burlap or canvas windbreaks on frames to reduce desiccation, mulch newly planted trees and shrubs over the root zone, and avoid materials that trap heat like black plastic.