Winter Iqjurv on

Winter Iqjurv on

Landscape Plants There arc a variety of injuries that can result from winter weather conditions to landscape plants. Low temperature injuries are common on shallow rooted plants, container plants and marginally hardy plants. This can cause damage to their roots •Jtd branches. Desiccation of plant tissues or “winter drying” affects broadleaf evergreens such as mountain laurel, rhododendron'. azalea and holly. This injury results from transpirational water loss during warm in winter when the soil is frozen.. Plants that are located in exposed or windy locations and recent transplants tend to be prone to winter drying. Stem splitting or “frost Cracks" generally occur on young, thin barked trees such as maple, sycamore, linden and zelkova. This injury results from sudden temperature fluctuation. Sunny daytime highs to very low nightime temperature can cause shrinkage of stem tissues or can freeze sap within the cells, resulting in a frost crack. The damage is evident as a vertical seam, usually on the south or southwest side. This could cause serious structural concerns and provide entry points for wood decay organisms. Give your plants the best chance for surviving the winter. Promote healthy plant materia) by maintaining soil fertility. watering during dry spells, and mulching will help protect their roots. Anti-desiccant are available to spray on plants to prevent winter drying. This treatment has been used for years with moderate success. If spring comes and you have some winter bum, do not be anxious to cut the damage out. In some cases, stems may still nave viable tissue. Wait until spring growth comes out to prune out damage.

If you have any questions or would uke more information regarding this article please e-mail me at iwood@bartlett.com or call 877-BARTLETT

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