How to Protect Trees and Shrubs Over Winter

Do these in fall

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Keep going