Dealing with Winter Wilt and Frost Injuries: A Guide for Gardeners
In the cold depths of winter, plants face a myriad of challenges that can lead to damage, such as frost damage, winter sunscald, broken branches, winter desiccation, and infestations from burrowing animals. However, with a combination of protective and maintenance strategies, gardeners can help their plants withstand these winter stresses and recover more quickly in spring.
Frost Damage
To shield plants from frost, cold wind, and snow, consider using frost plant covers or protective fabrics like burlap. By doing so, you can help reduce freeze injury [4]. Additionally, watering plants thoroughly before the ground freezes ensures good hydration, which improves frost resistance [1].
Winter Sunscald
Protect tree trunks by wrapping them with tree wraps or guards during late fall and winter. This prevents intense sunlight on cold bark from causing damage (sunscald) that leads to bark splitting and dieback [5].
Broken Branches
Tie upright evergreen limbs carefully to prevent breakage from snow and ice accumulation. After winter, prune broken or damaged branches promptly to reduce stress and prevent disease [2][5].
Winter Desiccation (Drying Out)
Prevent drying by watering plants deeply before freeze-up and during winter dry spells when temperatures are above 40°F (4°C) [1]. Cover small plants with anti-desiccant sprays (anti-transpirants) that seal moisture in leaves. Mulch with organic materials around root zones to help retain soil moisture and protect from freezing winds. Avoid removing protective snow cover while ensuring plants are healthy year-round to better resist desiccation [1][2].
Infestation from Burrowing Animals
Protect tree bases and lower trunks with physical barriers such as wire mesh or tree guards to prevent damage from rodents and other burrowing animals over winter [3][5]. Regular inspection of trees and plants during and after winter will help identify early damage and allow prompt intervention.
Additional key care points include raking and composting disease-free leaves for mulch, applying insulating mulch layers over perennial beds, and ensuring garden tools and irrigation systems are winterized to maintain overall plant health [2][5].
Addressing these factors seasonally ensures plants withstand winter stresses and recover more quickly in spring.
Signs of frost damage are usually visible on the leaves and new growths first, but the damage can spread to the rest of the plant tissues. Winter desiccation can be prevented by watering plants deeply and regularly before the winter season sets in, and laying a generous layer of mulching on soil before winter can help prevent winter damage. Pruning plants only as needed during winter can help prevent further damage and stress to the plants. Watering plants generously during winter can help them recover from cold damage and provide nourishment for growth and healing.
In regions with different climates and plant species, winter burns and frost damage are common. However, with the right precautions and a little TLC, your garden can thrive even through the coldest months.
To maintain a healthy lifestyle for your home-and-garden during winter, watering plants deeply before the ground freezes is essential to improve frost resistance [1]. Furthermore, protecting tree trunks with tree wraps or guards can prevent winter sunscald that leads to bark splitting and dieback [5].
