Frisella’s Winter Care Guide for Dormant Trees and Shrubs

Learn how to protect your trees and shrubs during winter dormancy with Frisella’s expert tips. From mulching and watering to wildlife protection, ensure a thriving spring landscape!

Understanding Dormancy

Winter is a time when many plants like to slow down, but that doesn’t mean we can forget about our trees and shrubs until spring! Dormant, a term used to describe a period of reduced activity in plants, doesn’t mean dead—this is a vital time for them to save up energy and get ready for their big growth spurt once the warmer months arrive. By taking a few simple steps, you can help keep your landscape healthy and vibrant all year long.

Mulch for Extra Protection: Donuts, Never Volcanos.

Mulching is not just a small chore; it’s a crucial act of care for your plants. It’s like giving them a cozy blanket to get them through the winter. Mulch creates a shield for the root systems of your dormant trees and shrubs. A 2- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch, like wood chips or shredded bark, can help shield roots from those chilly temperature swings. Just spread it around the base of your plants in a donut shape, making sure to keep it a few inches away from the trunk to avoid rot. This small effort creates a warm, safe environment for your plants to thrive.

***Pro Tip: If you’ve been a committed mulcher over the years, you may be able to just turn the existing mulch to freshen it up without adding more. Too much mulch can lead to issues for your plants and your home’s foundation.

Image Credit: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Hydrate Before the Freeze

While plants don’t need as much water in winter, it’s our responsibility as caretakers to hydrate them deeply before the ground freezes. This way, they’ll have enough moisture to stay comfortable during dormancy. If you live in a milder area, feel free to water them now and then when the soil isn’t frozen. Your care can really make a difference in their health.

***Pro Tip: This is especially important for newly planted trees and shrubs. To check if your tree needs water, find a spot near the tree’s dripline and dig about 6″ down. If the soil feels dry, your tree could benefit from a nice slow soak. Check out our watering guide for details.
For more about watering in the winter, check out this article from Morning Ag Clips.

Protect Against Winter Burn

Some of our evergreen friends can suffer from winter burn, but with your care, you can usually prevent it. Winter burn happens when strong winds and sun take away too much water. The main protection is to ensure you are getting the plant watered as needed. Additionally, you can help protect them by wrapping burlap around the plants or setting up windbreaks.

Photo: This is an example of winter burn on new boxwood growth from 2023. The new growth is much more tender and will burn much more easily. For more info and photos of winter burn, see ‘Winter Burn’ on the University of Wisconsin-Madison website. It’s a great resource!

Guard Against Wildlife

Hungry critters like deer, rabbits, and voles can be quite the problem for our beloved trees and shrubs in winter. Installing tree wraps or chicken wire can shield the bark and lower branches. You can also use repellents to help keep them at bay, although you will need to reapply after each rain.

Plan for Snow Removal

If you’re in an area that gets snow, be mindful of where salt and de-icing chemicals go. These can hurt your trees and shrubs if they seep into the soil. Opt for plant-safe alternatives, and consider creating barriers to protect your plants from runoff. If working with a maintenance or snow removal crew, discuss your concerns so they can make the best decisions for your landscaping possible.

Managing Expectations in Winter Landscapes:

In new landscapes, no matter what time of year, it’s common for some plants to die. For landscapes installed in fall and winter, distinguishing the difference between those that are dormant and those that are dead can be challenging, especially with perennials.

How to Perform a Scratch Test

If you’re feeling impatient and need to know about a shrub or a tree, you can perform a scratch test. To do this, gently scratch the bark of the plant with your fingernail. If the tissue underneath is green, the plant is still alive. If it’s brown, the plant may be dead. The best way to know for sure is to wait until things warm up in the spring (May is usually a telling time for our climate). Many reputable companies will warranty new plant material for a period of time after installation and are happy to help you out.

***Pro Tip: In March, we often get many phone calls from people concerned about plants not having survived. Plants come out of dormancy based on the length of the day and the soil temperatures. March is simply too early to tell if something survived for most perennials, deciduous trees, and shrubs. Our recommendation is to give things a bit more time. As soil temperatures rise closer to May, we usually have a much clearer picture of what survived.