Growing Green

By Robin Trott, Extension Educator

Winter in Minnesota is tough—not just on us, but also on our trees and shrubs. Snow, ice and road salt can really take a toll on woody perennials, leaving them bent, broken or even dead by spring. But don’t worry! With a little preparation, you can help your plants make it through the cold months in good shape. Here’s what you can do.

Snow and Ice: The Heavy Hitters

Snow and ice can pile up on branches, bending or even snapping them under the weight. Evergreens and shrubs with multiple stems are especially vulnerable. Ice can also encase branches, making them brittle and prone to breaking.

Here’s how to help:

• Sweep snow gently: Use a broom to lightly brush snow off from underneath the branches. Don’t shake them—this can cause more harm than good.

• Let ice melt naturally: Avoid spraying plants with water during freezing temperatures. If ice has already formed, don’t try to break it off—it could damage the branches.

For extra protection, wrap delicate plants in burlap or tie branches together with soft ties to help them stay upright through heavy snowfalls.

Road Salt: A Silent Threat

Road salt may keep sidewalks safe, but it’s not so friendly to your plants. Salt can dry out roots, damage foliage, and leave toxic residues in the soil. If your woody perennials are near driveways, sidewalks, or roads, they’re especially at risk.

To minimize damage:

• Go for salt alternatives: Use sand, sawdust, or calcium magnesium acetate instead of traditional rock salt for de-icing.

• Set up barriers: Burlap screens or snow fences can block salt spray and runoff from reaching your plants.

• Flush the soil in spring: After the snow melts, give the soil around your plants a deep watering to wash away any salt buildup.

Winter Burn: When the Wind Bites

Evergreens can suffer from winter burn when cold winds pull moisture from their leaves or needles faster than their roots can replace it. This can leave your plants browned and dried out—especially on the windward side.

To prevent winter burn:

• Water well in fall: Make sure your plants are well-hydrated before the ground freezes. Moisture in the soil helps them stay healthy through winter.

• Apply mulch: A 2–3-inch layer of mulch around the base of your plants insulates the soil and protects their roots.

• Create windbreaks: Burlap screens or hedges can shield your plants from cold, drying winds.

Spring Recovery

Even if you’ve taken precautions, winter can leave its mark. In spring, inspect your plants for broken or damaged branches and prune as needed to encourage healthy regrowth. If salt has caused issues in the soil, amend it with compost to restore its health and balance.

By taking these simple steps, you can protect your woody perennials from the harsh realities of winter. Not only will your plants thrive, but your landscape will also look great year-round. A little effort now goes a long way when it comes to keeping your garden healthy and beautiful!

Until next time,  happy gardening!