Maintaining gorgeous evergreen trees through the winter is fool-proof with these easy steps.

Even durable evergreens can suffer from winter burn and salt damage! Watering and nourishing your evergreens properly will help them stay vibrant. We cover exactly how to do that in this blog.

How Do I Keep My Evergreens Fresh?

1) Make sure new trees are wrapped.

By wrapping your younger evergreens in a burlap covering, they are protected from harsh weather conditions like snow and salt damage. Burlap can be used as a barrier around the base of the tree if your trees are too large to wrap around, but still need protection from salt spray.

2) Support them with stakes.

Stakes help protect your younger evergreens from winter storms and high winds. Make sure the tree is firmly anchored in the ground with two wooden or metal stakes on each side, securing it with rope or twine. The rope should not be tied too tightly around the tree, as your evergreen still needs growing and breathing room!

3) Apply a layer of mulch.

To regulate soil temperature and lock in moisture, mulch your evergreens with a fresh layer of insulating mulch. Evergreens can suffer a double-attack when their roots cannot replace lost water, and sun and wind can deplete it from their foliage. Keeping your evergreen trees nourished and protecting the roots of plants is made easier with mulch.

4) Spray with Wilt Stop.

Due to their greater surface area, evergreen foliage is more likely to suffer from winter desiccation (AKA, drying out). An anti-desiccant spray like Wilt Stop prevents this from happening. Broad-leafed and narrow-leaved evergreens benefit from Wilt Stop’s moisture-sealing abilities.

5) Water accordingly.

Maintain a good level of moisture before the winter rolls in. There are several factors that affect plant watering—including soil drainage, weather, and the plant's size. Average watering for an evergreen tree is about four or five gallons every week or two weeks. Rather than watering every day, water thoroughly once a week or every two weeks. As long as the ground has not frozen, continue to provide ample moisture for your plant. It is not necessary to water your evergreen trees once the ground has frozen.

6) Tie your branches for snow protection.

The branches of some evergreens may have multiple leading branches or two dominant ones. As a result of heavy snow and ice, they are more prone to breaking at the branching points of their trunks.

7) Prune to revive.

In the case that your evergreens run dry and need reviving, a good watering and pruning is always the answer. The tree can be pruned back in order to prevent the occurrence of secondary infestations and other plant diseases. Prune in early spring or mid-summer for gorgeous foliage through fall and winter. If heavy pruning is required in early spring, do it before new growth begins so that pruning cuts are hidden by the new growth. Maintaining gorgeous evergreen trees through the winter is fool-proof with these easy steps. Visit us at Wallace’s Garden Center in Bettendorf, Iowa for everything you need to protect your winter evergreens.