Why Evergreens Turn Brown in Winter and How to Help

Evergreens are the dependable stars of the winter landscape. When the leaves have fallen and the garden is quiet, their rich green foliage provides color, privacy, and structure.

But what happens when those beautiful green needles suddenly turn brown?

If you’ve noticed browning on your arborvitae, boxwoods, rhododendrons, or other evergreens, you might immediately suspect disease or insects. Surprisingly, one of the most common culprits is something much simpler: winter weather.

At Lakeview Nurseries in Lunenburg, MA, our Garden Geeks are here to help you understand what’s happening to your evergreens and how to give them the best chance of staying healthy through a Massachusetts winter.

What Is Winter Burn?

Winter burn, also known as winter desiccation, occurs when evergreen foliage loses more moisture than the roots can replace.

Unlike deciduous trees, which shed their leaves in fall, evergreens retain their needles or leaves throughout winter. These plants can continue losing moisture even when temperatures are freezing.

When the ground becomes frozen, roots may be unable to absorb enough water to replace that moisture.

The result? Foliage begins to dry out, discolor, and sometimes turn brown.

Winter burn is especially common after periods of bright winter sunshine, strong winds, very cold weather, and dry soil conditions.

Why Are Some Evergreens More Vulnerable?

Not all evergreens respond to winter weather in the same way.

Some plants naturally tolerate exposed, windy locations better than others. Newly planted evergreens are especially vulnerable because their roots haven’t had enough time to fully establish.

Commonly affected evergreens include:

• Arborvitae: Often planted as privacy screens, arborvitae can develop brown foliage on exposed branches.
• Boxwoods: These popular foundation shrubs may experience bronzing, browning, or leaf damage during winter.
• Rhododendrons: Their broad leaves can lose moisture during cold, windy weather, leading to brown edges and scorched foliage.
• Dwarf Alberta Spruce: Dense, fine needles may become discolored when exposed to harsh winter conditions.
• Hollies: Certain broadleaf varieties can develop leaf scorch from winter wind and sun.

Plants positioned along driveways, open lawns, exposed hillsides, or the south and west sides of buildings may experience additional stress.

Five Ways to Help Prevent Winter Burn

1. Water Thoroughly Before the Ground Freezes

One of the simplest and most effective ways to help evergreens survive winter is to make sure they enter the season with adequate soil moisture.

If autumn has been dry, give susceptible evergreens a thorough watering while the ground remains unfrozen.

Pay particular attention to newly planted trees and shrubs. Consistent watering throughout the growing season and fall is more helpful than trying to correct prolonged drought with one last watering.

2. Apply Mulch Around the Root Zone

A 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch can help conserve soil moisture and moderate temperature fluctuations around the roots.

Keep mulch several inches away from trunks and woody stems.

A properly mulched root zone can make a meaningful difference during the unpredictable freeze-thaw cycles common in Massachusetts.

3. Protect Plants From Drying Winter Winds

If you have evergreens in especially exposed locations, consider installing a temporary windbreak.

Burlap attached to stakes can help shield vulnerable plants from harsh winds while still allowing airflow.

Avoid wrapping burlap tightly around the foliage. A freestanding screen provides protection without compressing branches or trapping moisture.

4. Be Cautious With Deicing Salt

Winter salt used on driveways, sidewalks, and roadways can contribute to foliage browning and root damage.

When possible, avoid piling salty snow around valuable shrubs, and consider less damaging alternatives for nearby walking surfaces.

5. Choose the Right Evergreen for the Right Location

Sometimes, preventing winter damage begins before you plant.

A sheltered location may be ideal for a broadleaf evergreen, while a more exposed site may call for a tougher, more cold-tolerant species.

Selecting plants suited to your growing conditions is one of the smartest investments you can make in your landscape.

Garden Geek Product Spotlight: Bonide Wilt Stop

Looking for another way to help protect your evergreens from harsh winter conditions?

Bonide Wilt Stop is an anti-desiccant plant protector designed to reduce moisture loss from foliage during stressful conditions, including drying winter winds.

It works by forming a clear, flexible protective film over treated leaves and needles, helping limit moisture loss when plants are exposed to challenging weather.

Why Consider Bonide Wilt Stop?

• Helps reduce moisture loss: Forms a protective coating designed to limit water loss from foliage.
• Provides an additional protective option: Can be considered for certain trees and shrubs exposed to drying winds and winter stress.
• Versatile applications: Designed for use on a variety of plants, including certain evergreens, trees, and shrubs.
• Convenient options: Available in ready-to-use and concentrate formulas.

When Should You Apply Wilt Stop?

For winter protection, Bonide directs gardeners to apply Wilt Stop in late fall after plants have hardened off, when temperatures are above freezing and the coating has time to dry.

Always follow the specific product label and check plant compatibility before spraying. Some evergreens, including arborvitae, junipers, cedars, cypresses, and dwarf conifers, require particular precautions or testing before use. Wilt Stop may also temporarily alter the blue color of certain spruce varieties.

It’s important to remember that anti-desiccant sprays are not a guaranteed solution. University horticultural research has found mixed results regarding their effectiveness against winter burn.

Think of Wilt Stop as a possible additional tool, not a replacement for proper watering, mulching, and protection from harsh winter winds.

Garden Geek Tip: Not sure whether Wilt Stop is appropriate for your plants? Ask the Garden Geeks at Lakeview Nurseries in Lunenburg for help choosing the right winter protection approach.

Is Brown Evergreen Foliage Always Winter Burn?

Not necessarily!

Some evergreens naturally shed older interior needles in fall. This seasonal needle drop is often mistaken for a disease problem.

Browning may also result from drought, drainage problems, insect activity, root damage, or other environmental stresses.

The location of the discoloration can provide useful clues.

Normal seasonal needle drop typically affects older needles toward the interior of the plant.

Winter burn more often affects outer foliage, branch tips, or areas exposed to direct winter sun and wind.

If browning continues spreading or you’re unsure what’s causing it, a closer examination is worthwhile.

Can a Brown Evergreen Recover?

It depends on the severity of the damage and the species.

Some evergreens can produce healthy new growth from surviving buds, making the damage less noticeable over time.

Others cannot regenerate foliage from older, bare wood.

Avoid rushing to prune brown branches in late winter. Wait until spring growth begins, then evaluate which areas are truly dead and which may recover.

A little patience can prevent unnecessary pruning!

Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Evergreen Care

Q: Why does my arborvitae turn brown during winter?

A: Arborvitae may brown because of winter burn, drought, salt exposure, or normal seasonal foliage changes. Browning on exposed branch tips may indicate winter stress, while older interior foliage can naturally discolor and shed.

Q: Should I water evergreens in November?

A: Yes, if the soil is dry and not frozen. Adequate moisture before winter is especially important for recently planted evergreens. Avoid overwatering and check soil conditions first.

Q: Does burlap protect shrubs from winter burn?

A: Yes, a properly installed burlap windbreak can help reduce exposure to drying winds and winter sunshine. Position burlap on stakes rather than wrapping it tightly against foliage.

Q: What is Bonide Wilt Stop used for?

A: Bonide Wilt Stop is an anti-desiccant product designed to form a protective coating on plant foliage and reduce moisture loss. It is marketed for several uses, including winter stress protection, transplant shock, and drying winds. Effectiveness for preventing winter burn can vary.

Q: Can I spray Bonide Wilt Stop on arborvitae?

A: Arborvitae requires special caution. The product instructions advise testing certain evergreen species before widespread use. Plants should be properly hardened off before winter applications. Always check the current label for your specific product.

Q: When is the best time to apply an anti-desiccant spray?

A: Timing depends on the product and plant species. For winter use, applications are generally considered after plants have hardened off, during suitable above-freezing weather. Follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully.

Q: Will my evergreen turn green again in spring?

A: Brown needles and leaves generally do not regain their original green color. However, surviving branches may produce new growth, depending on the plant species and severity of the damage.

Keep Your Evergreens Beautiful With Lakeview Nurseries

Evergreens are an important part of a beautiful, four-season landscape, and understanding their winter needs can help protect your investment.

Whether you’re concerned about browning foliage, exploring winter protection products such as Bonide Wilt Stop, or choosing new evergreens for your yard, the Garden Geeks at Lakeview Nurseries in Lunenburg, Massachusetts, are happy to help.

Stop by and share your questions. Together, we can help your landscape stay healthier and more beautiful through every season.

Healthy evergreens begin with the right plant, the right location, and a little extra care before winter arrives!