Evergreen protection
Don’t let your broadleaf evergreens burn! Foliage burn, also called “desiccation,” is caused by harsh, cold winds and strong sun in winter to early spring. You can prevent foliage from becoming dry, brown and dying out by spraying broadleaf evergreens with an antidesiccant soon after the ground freezes. These sprays (available at local garden centers) have waxy resins that seal foliage from water loss. Coat leaves thoroughly, until they’re shiny like the holly (Illex spp.) foliage below. You’ll want to coat the underside of leaves, too. (A pump sprayer, like the one here, makes it easy to get even coverage on both sides of the leaf and treat a long hedge at once). Since antidesiccants break down in sunlight, reapply about every two months for ongoing protection into spring.
