6 Best (and Easiest) Ways to Protect Trees and Shrubs in Winter

As winter’s chill settles in, your landscape’s trees and shrubs can face harsh conditions that threaten their health and growth. Cold temperatures, heavy snow, ice, and drying winds can all take a toll on these plants, leaving them vulnerable to damage. Fortunately, with a bit of planning and effort, you can shield your plants from winter’s harshest elements and ensure they come through the season healthy and strong.

Here are six of the best (and easiest) ways to protect your trees and shrubs during winter:

1. Mulch Around the Base

One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your trees and shrubs from the winter cold is to mulch around their base. Mulching helps regulate soil temperature, keeping roots insulated from freezing temperatures. It also protects the roots from the drying effects of winter winds and reduces soil erosion.

How to mulch properly:

Apply 3-4 inches of organic mulch (like wood chips, straw, or shredded bark) around the base of the tree or shrub.
Be sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to avoid moisture buildup, which can lead to rot.
For evergreen shrubs, mulch can be especially beneficial in preventing desiccation caused by dry winter winds.

This simple step not only protects the plant’s roots but also reduces competition from weeds, helping your plants focus on staying healthy through the winter months.

2. Wrap Trees with Burlap or Tree Wraps

Young trees and shrubs, especially those with thin bark, are particularly susceptible to winter damage such as sunscald or bark cracking. During the winter, the sun can warm the bark during the day, only for it to freeze again at night, causing stress on the tree. The fluctuation in temperature can lead to cracks or splits in the bark, leaving the tree vulnerable to pests and disease.

How to wrap properly:

Wrap the trunk with burlap, tree wrap, or specially-designed plant covers that protect the bark from temperature fluctuations.
Start wrapping from the base of the tree and go upward, covering the trunk evenly without tightening the material too much.
Remove the wraps in early spring to prevent moisture buildup, which can promote fungal growth.

Tree wrapping is particularly useful for fruit trees, maples, and other young or thin-barked species, ensuring they stay protected from both the cold and the sun.

3. Prune Dead or Weak Branches

Winter storms and heavy snow can put a significant amount of stress on trees and shrubs, especially if their branches are weak or diseased. Pruning before the snow flies not only removes potential hazards but also reduces the risk of limbs snapping under the weight of snow or ice.

How to prune effectively:

Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches from both deciduous and evergreen trees. This will prevent breakage during heavy snowfalls and encourage healthy growth in spring.
Be sure to use sharp, clean pruning tools to avoid damaging the tree.
For larger trees, you may want to hire a professional arborist to ensure safe and precise pruning.

Pruning also improves airflow around the tree and shrub, reducing the risk of mold and rot that can develop during wet, snowy winters.

4. Build Windbreaks

Windbreaks are an effective way to protect your plants from the drying effects of winter winds, which can strip moisture from their leaves and stems. Strong winds, especially in more open areas or on higher ground, can cause significant damage to shrubs and smaller trees, causing them to dry out, break, or lose their leaves prematurely.

How to build a windbreak:

Plant evergreen trees or shrubs in strategic locations to block prevailing winds. These act as natural barriers, slowing down wind speed and protecting more vulnerable plants.
Use fencing or burlap screens to create an artificial windbreak around trees or bushes that are particularly exposed.
Position your windbreak to face the wind direction most likely to hit your plants.

A well-placed windbreak not only protects trees from wind damage but also helps to maintain moisture in the soil, making it easier for your plants to thrive through the winter months.

5. Provide Extra Watering Before Freeze

Before the cold snap hits, it’s important to ensure that your trees and shrubs are well-hydrated. During winter, the ground can freeze, making it difficult for plants to absorb water. Plants that are already stressed from dehydration are more vulnerable to winter damage.

How to water properly:

Water your plants deeply just before the first freeze, especially evergreens and newly planted trees.
Use a soaker hose or a slow-drip watering system to ensure the water reaches deep into the soil and saturates the root zone.
Avoid overwatering, as waterlogged soil can freeze and cause root rot.

Watering before the freeze is critical for ensuring that your trees have enough moisture stored in their roots to survive the winter without being stressed.

6. Cover Shrubs and Delicate Plants

For shrubs or delicate plants that can’t handle the freezing cold, providing them with additional coverage can be a life-saving measure. During snowstorms and ice events, heavy snow can break branches, while the ice can cause dehydration and harm to the plant.

How to cover your plants:

Use burlap or frost cloth to create a protective barrier around the shrub or plant. Make sure the material is breathable to allow air circulation.
For smaller plants, you can also use plastic or a plastic dome to create a mini greenhouse effect, though these should be removed on warmer days to prevent heat buildup.
If you’re worried about heavy snow or ice, you can also build a simple wooden frame around the plant and drape it with burlap or a similar protective material.

Covering your delicate plants is particularly helpful for non-native species or plants that are not hardy in colder climates. By shielding them from freezing temperatures, you increase the likelihood of their survival and healthy growth in the spring.

Final Thoughts

While winter can be a tough season for trees and shrubs, taking these simple steps can help protect your plants from damage and ensure that they emerge healthy and strong come spring. By mulching, wrapping, pruning, building windbreaks, watering effectively, and providing extra coverage, you’ll be giving your landscape the best chance to weather the winter.

The key to successful winter plant protection is to act early and be proactive. With a little preparation and care, you can make sure that your trees and shrubs make it through the cold months, ready to thrive when the warmth of spring returns.