Winter burn can cause serious damage to prized evergreens.
As the ground freezes, the plants can't take up moisture, so they start using moisture in the leaves. If they use too much moisture, they start to decline.
HUNTINGDON VALLEY, Pa. (PRWEB) November 12, 2018
Cold weather is hard on landscapes. Heavy snow and ice cause many problems, but cold wind can be just as devastating to trees and shrubs. Giroud Tree and Lawn shares 3 types of plants that need extra protection over winter, and how homeowners can help trees and shrubs survive through the season safely.
Evergreens are inclined to dry out in cold winds
Cold wind can suck the moisture from the leaves and needles on evergreens. Pines, Cypress, Firs, Junipers and Hemlocks are all popular trees because they keep landscapes looking green all year long. But, according to the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, “Many evergreens are seriously injured when planted in excessively windy locations. Since these plants retain a covering of foliage during the winter, they continue to lose moisture even after deciduous plants drop their leaves. It is this moisture loss that causes problems.”
Rhododendron have delicate root systems that are vulnerable to hard frosts
Rhododendron, especially the Azalea variety, can dry out quickly in a hard frost. If homeowners enjoy these flowering shrubs in the spring, they will need to protect them now before cold weather sets in.
Holly Trees and Shrubs are susceptible to leaf burn
Cold winds and exposure to bright winter sun can cause Hollies to dry out. Unfortunately, the damaging effects of winter burn may not be apparent until spring when leaf scald develops. It’s important for homeowners to be proactive with this plant.
How Can Homeowners Protect Trees and Shrubs from Harsh Winter Weather?
In Giroud Tree and Lawn’s informative YouTube video, ISA Certified Arborist, Rob Nagy, explains how leaves can be burned by winter weather.
"As the ground freezes, the plants can't take up moisture, so they start using moisture in the leaves," explains ISA Certified Giroud Arborist, Rob Nagy. "If they use too much moisture, they start to decline; and in some cases, they will die."
Nagy strongly urges homeowners to have an anti-desiccant treatment applied to evergreens now before the cold weather is here. Anti-Desiccant treatments work to protect evergreens and help lock in vital moisture that could be lost over the winter months.
Homeowners should have all trees and shrubs inspected by an ISA Certified Arborist in fall before winter hits. The arborist may recommend an anti-desiccant spray and even some pruning to prevent winter storm damage. These actions will ensure that trees and shrubs are strong enough to stand against the harsh winter weather.
About Giroud Tree and Lawn
Giroud Tree and Lawn specializes in tree service, lawn care and mosquito and tick control programs that make customers love doing business with the company since 1974. Serving Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties, the company offers professional tree and lawn evaluation, tree pruning, tree removal, insect and disease control, fertilizing, stump removal, traditional and 100% organic lawn programs and mosquito and tick control. Giroud Arborists are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and have the knowledge and experience required to properly diagnose, treat and maintain trees and lawn health. The company is Accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association and Better Business Bureau. Giroud has also been awarded the Angie's List Super Service Award® every year since 2005. The “Giroud Treework for Charity” program donates free tree care services to parks, historical sites and other non-profit organizations located in the Company’s service area. For more information, visit the company website at http://www.giroudtree.com or call 215-682-7704.
