Tree and Shrub Winter Protection Tips That Prevent Damage and Promote Healthy Spring Growth
Winter may bring a peaceful beauty to the landscape, but for your trees and shrubs, it can also mean harsh conditions, moisture loss, and physical stress. Without the right precautions, freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and winter winds can leave lasting damage. That’s why understanding the essentials of tree and shrub winter protection is so important. A few preventative steps in late fall can safeguard your landscape and help your plants emerge healthy in spring.
If you’d like professional assistance preparing your trees and shrubs for winter, Borst Landscape & Design offers expert seasonal care tailored to your property. Call (201) 822-9327 to get started.
Why Trees and Shrubs Need Winter Protection
Even the hardiest trees and shrubs can be affected by winter weather. Low temperatures, frost heave, fluctuating moisture levels, and animal browsing all pose risks. Young or newly planted trees are especially vulnerable, as are species that are marginally hardy in your zone.
Common winter hazards include:
- Frost cracks from rapid freezing and thawing of bark
- Desiccation or drying out caused by cold winds and sun exposure
- Broken branches from heavy snow and ice
- Root damage from extreme cold or shifting soil
- Animal damage from deer, rabbits, or rodents feeding on bark and buds
Taking time to implement proper tree and shrub winter protection helps avoid these issues, preserving the health and structure of your plants year-round.
Timing Matters: When to Start Winter Protection
Begin winter preparations in late fall, after plants have entered dormancy but before the first hard freeze. This is typically late October through November in the Northeast, depending on weather patterns. The goal is to help plants transition smoothly into dormancy and protect them before extreme conditions arrive.
Don’t wait until the first snowfall—by then, damage may already have begun. Early planning ensures materials are in place and gives your plants the best chance of weathering the cold.
Mulching for Root Protection
One of the most important strategies for winter protection is proper mulching. A thick layer of mulch acts as insulation, moderating soil temperature and reducing moisture loss.
How to mulch effectively:
- Use 2–4 inches of organic mulch (like shredded bark, wood chips, or compost)
- Keep mulch a few inches away from trunks to prevent rot
- Extend the mulch ring at least to the plant’s drip line for trees
- Apply mulch once the ground begins to cool, but before it freezes
Mulch also helps prevent frost heave, where soil expansion and contraction pushes roots upward and exposes them to air and cold.
Wrapping and Burlap Covers
Certain trees and shrubs—especially evergreens and thin-barked young trees—benefit from physical protection against wind, sun, and temperature fluctuations. Wrapping is a simple but effective method to guard against both desiccation and frost damage.
When and how to wrap:
- Use burlap or commercial tree wrap material (avoid plastic)
- Wrap trunks of young trees from base to just above the first branch
- For shrubs, create a burlap screen around a simple wooden frame, or loosely wrap the entire plant
- Secure coverings to prevent movement in wind, but don’t constrict growth
Remove wrappings in early spring before new growth begins, so plants can breathe and photosynthesize properly.
Watering Before the Ground Freezes
Trees and shrubs rely on stored moisture during the winter months, especially evergreens, which continue to lose water through their needles. If the fall has been dry, supplemental watering is critical before the ground freezes.
Watering tips:
- Deep water trees and shrubs in late fall when daytime temps are still above freezing
- Focus on evergreens and recently planted material
- Water slowly at the base to encourage deep root saturation
- Stop watering once the ground is frozen
Moisture in the soil also helps buffer root temperatures and reduces the likelihood of winter dieback.
Pruning to Prevent Winter Damage
Late fall is not the time for major pruning, but strategic cuts can reduce the risk of snow or ice damage. Removing weak, dead, or crossing branches lightens the load and improves plant structure.
Winter pruning best practices:
- Focus on trees with dense canopies or multiple leaders
- Remove limbs that overhang walkways or driveways
- Avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs, which already set buds
- Use clean, sharp tools and follow correct pruning angles
By pruning conservatively, you help prevent breakage while avoiding unnecessary stress before dormancy.
Deer and Rodent Protection
Wildlife can become a major threat to trees and shrubs when natural food is scarce in winter. Deer browsing, rabbit gnawing, and vole activity can cause permanent damage or even kill young plants.
Protective strategies include:
- Tree guards or plastic wraps around the base of trunks
- Wire mesh cages for shrubs or small trees
- Repellents (organic or commercial) applied regularly
- Snow fencing to keep deer from browsing in accessible areas
Be proactive—damage from wildlife often occurs in the middle of winter when you’re not actively outside monitoring.
Supporting Plant Structure in Snow and Ice
Heavy snow and freezing rain can weigh down branches, especially on multi-stemmed shrubs or evergreens. Providing extra support or removing snow properly can prevent broken limbs and plant deformation.
How to handle snow and ice:
- Gently brush off heavy snow with a broom, sweeping upward
- Never shake branches, especially when frozen
- Use stakes or soft ties to support vulnerable limbs
- Avoid salt-based deicers near plantings—use alternatives like sand or calcium magnesium acetate
Damage from snow is often preventable with regular monitoring and timely intervention.
Container Plants and Raised Beds
Don’t forget trees and shrubs growing in containers—they’re especially vulnerable, as roots are exposed to more extreme temperatures than in-ground plantings.
To protect containers:
- Move pots into a sheltered area, like a garage or shed
- Wrap pots in insulating materials like bubble wrap or burlap
- Group containers together for shared warmth
- Water occasionally during warm spells if soil is dry
If containers can’t be moved, insulate them in place and shield plants with burlap screens or frost cloths.
Monitoring Through the Winter
Even after preparations are complete, it pays to periodically check your landscape throughout the winter. Windstorms, fluctuating temperatures, or animal activity may require adjustments or additional protection.
Look for:
- Dislodged mulch or wrapping
- Animal tracks and signs of feeding
- Broken branches after storms
- Exposed roots or frost heave near base of plants
Being proactive prevents small issues from becoming costly problems come spring.
A Strong Winter Plan Leads to a Healthier Spring
Cold weather doesn’t have to spell trouble for your landscape. With the right tree and shrub winter protection techniques, you can shield your plants from seasonal stress and position them for healthy, vigorous growth in the months ahead. From mulching and watering to wrapping and wildlife control, a few thoughtful steps now will make a big difference when warm weather returns.
If you’d like help safeguarding your landscape before winter sets in, call (201) 822-9327 or contact Borst Landscape & Design. Our team has the experience and expertise to protect your investment and keep your garden thriving all year long.