The winter months are upon us and before the snow flies and temps get too cold you may want to protect your broadleaf and needled evergreens from winter damage.
Anti-desiccants are protective coatings applied to evergreens to reduce water loss during winter when plants are susceptible to drying out. These products form a waxy, transparent barrier on the foliage, which helps retain moisture within the leaves or needles, particularly during periods when the ground is frozen, and roots cannot absorb water efficiently. Evergreens are especially vulnerable in winter because they continue to lose water through transpiration, a process in which water vapor escapes from the leaf surface, even when the soil moisture is unavailable.
The primary use of anti-desiccants is to prevent winter desiccation damage, often seen in broadleaf evergreens like rhododendrons, arborvitae and boxwoods, as well as needled evergreens such as pine, spruce, and cedar. This damage manifests as browning or yellowing of foliage, often on the windward or sun facing side, due to excessive moisture loss. Anti-desiccants are typically applied in late fall, before the onset of harsh winter conditions, and may require reapplication during milder periods throughout the season.
While anti-desiccants can be helpful, they are not a substitute for good cultural practices such as proper watering, mulching, and site selection. Applying these products correctly is crucial; excessive application can potentially inhibit photosynthesis, leading to other health issues. Additionally, not all anti-desiccants are suitable for all plant types, and some may degrade in strong sunlight, necessitating repeated treatments. Nonetheless, anti-desiccants can be an effective tool in the gardener’s arsenal to maintain evergreen health during challenging winter conditions.
Always read and follow label directions.
Another use is on winter evergreen pots. An application will help keep the evergreens looking good until spring.
Three well-known brands of anti-desiccants commonly used for protecting evergreens are:
- Wilt-Pruf: One of the most popular and widely used anti-desiccants, Wilt-Pruf is a natural, non-toxic formula made from pine resin. It forms a clear, flexible coating on the foliage, helping to reduce moisture loss during winter stress periods.
- Wilt Stop: Produced by Bonide, Wilt Stop is another effective anti-desiccant made from natural pine resin. It works similarly to Wilt-Pruf by creating a protective barrier that minimizes water loss from leaves and needles.
- TransFilm: TransFilm is a professional-grade anti-desiccant used in landscaping and horticulture. It provides a durable coating that helps prevent excessive moisture loss, especially in harsh winter conditions.
These products are commonly available at garden centers and can be applied using a standard garden sprayer for effective winter protection of evergreens. If the job is bigger than you are interested in or able to handle, Pleasant View Gardens can arrange to take care of all your winter evergreen protection for you. Call 612-978-3487 for an estimate.