Winter Plant Protection Guide

Winter is the toughest season for plant health, and the difference between thriving spring landscapes and expensive replacements is almost always determined by what happens in November and December. Property managers who understand the stress plants face during winter can dramatically reduce losses, protect long-term asset value, and prevent avoidable spring damage.

Winter is a stress test for every plant on the property

Cold temperatures create a chain reaction: soil moisture becomes inconsistent, roots lose access to available water, evergreen foliage dries out, and sensitive shrubs struggle with freeze–thaw cycles. Winter doesn’t kill plants directly—stress accumulated across the season does. When properties enter winter unprotected, that stress becomes irreversible by spring.

Evergreens are the most vulnerable and the most costly to replace

Junipers, spruces, pines, arborvitae, and boxwoods lose more moisture than they can replace in windy, cold conditions. This leads to:

• Desiccation

• Browning

• Needle drop

• Branch dieback

• Permanent canopy deformation

  Preventing this damage is far more cost-effective than replacing mature evergreens in April.

Soil moisture stability is the foundation of winter survival

Dry soil is one of the biggest drivers of winter plant loss. Cold, sunny days pull moisture from foliage faster than frozen roots can replenish it. Deep watering in late fall—along with occasional warm-day watering during winter—keeps root zones hydrated and reduces stress. Well-hydrated soil also protects young trees and shrubs from frost heave.

Mulch performs multiple winter jobs most PMs don’t realize

Mulch is more than aesthetics. During winter it:

• Regulates soil temperature

• Reduces moisture loss

• Protects shallow-rooted shrubs

• Shields young plants from freeze–thaw cycles

• Prevents frost heave in newly installed beds

  Proper mulch depth (2–3 inches) becomes one of the highest-impact winter protections available.

Selective pruning strengthens plant structure before storms

Winter storms expose weak branches, crossing limbs, and overextended canopies. Selective pruning before winter:

• Reduces breakage

• Improves airflow

• Strengthens plant shape

• Protects sidewalks and pathways from fallen limbs

  This preventive step dramatically decreases property risk and spring cleanup costs.

Anti-desiccant treatments protect evergreens from moisture loss

Anti-desiccants create a breathable protective coating that significantly reduces winter moisture loss. They’re especially valuable for:

• Boxwoods

• Arborvitae

• Hollies

• Young evergreens

• Newly transplanted shrubs

  A properly timed treatment can prevent up to 70% of the leaf burn seen each spring.

Freeze-thaw cycles cause more plant injury than extreme cold

Colorado’s biggest winter threat is not low temperatures—it’s fluctuation. Plants expand and contract rapidly, causing root disruption, bark splitting, and bud injury. Protection becomes especially important on:

• South-facing exposures

• High-wind corridors

• New installs

• Shallow-rooted species

  Mitigating these effects early is the key to survival.

Winter isn’t “off season”—it’s the foundation of spring performance

The properties that perform best in spring are the ones that protected their landscapes during winter. Healthy winter practices lead to:

• Faster green-up in April

• Lower plant replacement costs

• Higher curb appeal during leasing season

• More resilient plant structure

• Stronger root systems going into summer heat

  Winter is where next year’s landscape performance is built.

A decisive advantage for property managers

When winter protection is done correctly, it eliminates the seasonal dieback that frustrates residents, increases replacement budgets, and reduces aesthetic quality. Properties that invest in winter plant protection consistently outperform those that rely on reactive spring fixes.