Protect Evergreen Shrubs from Frost in November: Tips and Advice for Winter Care

Evergreen shrubs add year-round structure and color to your garden, but they can be vulnerable to frost and winter damage, especially in colder climates. As temperatures drop in November, it’s essential to take steps to protect your evergreen shrubs from frost, cold winds, and drying out. By preparing your evergreens properly for winter, you ensure they stay healthy, green, and vibrant throughout the colder months and are ready to thrive when spring arrives. In this guide, we’ll provide tips on how to protect evergreen shrubs from frost in November for long-lasting beauty and health.

Why Protect Evergreen Shrubs from Frost in November?

Evergreen shrubs, unlike deciduous plants, keep their foliage year-round. This means they continue to lose moisture through their leaves during the winter, making them susceptible to winter burn, frost damage, and desiccation (drying out). Protecting your evergreen shrubs in November helps shield them from cold winds, prevents moisture loss, and reduces the risk of frost injury. This winter care ensures that your evergreens will come through the winter looking healthy and vibrant.

Step-by-Step Guide to Protecting Evergreen Shrubs from Frost in November

Water Thoroughly Before the Ground Freezes:

Deep Watering: One of the most important steps in protecting evergreens from frost is to water them thoroughly before the ground freezes. Moist soil helps insulate the roots and prevents them from drying out over the winter. Water your evergreen shrubs deeply, ensuring the moisture reaches the root zone.
Water in the Morning: Watering in the morning gives the soil time to absorb the water before nighttime temperatures drop, reducing the risk of frost damage to the roots.

Apply a Thick Layer of Mulch:

Mulch for Insulation: Spread a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch, such as bark chips, straw, or shredded leaves, around the base of your evergreen shrubs. Mulch helps insulate the soil, regulate soil temperature, and retain moisture, protecting the roots from freezing and thawing cycles.
Keep Mulch Away from the Trunk: Make sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk of the shrub to prevent rot and allow air circulation around the base.

Install Windbreaks for Wind-Exposed Shrubs:

Protect from Cold Winds: Cold winter winds can dry out evergreen foliage, leading to winter burn. For shrubs in exposed areas, consider installing temporary windbreaks using burlap, fencing, or windbreak cloth. Position the windbreak on the windward side (usually the north or west) to shield the shrub from the harshest winds.
Use Burlap or Frost Cloth: You can also wrap sensitive shrubs in burlap or frost cloth to protect them from wind and frost. Leave enough space for air circulation, but make sure the covering is secure against winter winds.

Wrap Shrubs for Frost Protection:

Use Burlap or Frost Cloth: For evergreens that are particularly susceptible to frost damage, such as young shrubs or newly planted evergreens, consider wrapping them in burlap or frost cloth. This provides a protective barrier against cold air and frost while allowing moisture to escape.
Secure the Wrapping: Wrap the shrub loosely, securing the burlap with garden twine or stakes. Be careful not to wrap the shrub too tightly, as this can restrict airflow and cause damage.

Avoid Heavy Pruning in Fall:

Limit Pruning Before Winter: Avoid heavy pruning of evergreen shrubs in November, as new growth stimulated by pruning is more vulnerable to frost damage. Instead, wait until early spring to prune away any winter-damaged branches and reshape the shrub.
Trim Only Damaged Branches: If you notice any damaged or diseased branches in the fall, you can lightly trim them, but avoid cutting back healthy growth before winter.

Provide Shade for Winter Sun:

Prevent Winter Sun Scald: In some areas, bright winter sun can cause sun scald on evergreen shrubs by heating up the bark or foliage during the day, only for temperatures to drop rapidly at night. To prevent this, you can place temporary shading, such as burlap screens, on the south or west sides of sensitive shrubs.
Use Anti-Desiccant Sprays: Consider applying an anti-desiccant spray to help reduce moisture loss from the foliage. These sprays create a thin, protective layer over the leaves, reducing evaporation and protecting the shrub from winter burn.

Common Evergreen Shrubs to Protect from Frost in November

Boxwood: Boxwood is highly susceptible to winter burn and should be protected from cold winds and harsh winter sun. Mulch heavily around the base and use burlap wraps or windbreaks for extra protection.
Holly: Holly shrubs are relatively hardy, but their broad leaves can suffer from winter burn, especially in exposed locations. Wrapping or installing windbreaks can help protect them.
Rhododendron: These shrubs can suffer from frost damage and winter burn, particularly in colder climates. Protect them with burlap wraps and mulch to keep the roots insulated.
Yew: Yews are generally hardy, but they can be prone to winter damage, particularly if planted in windy or exposed areas. Mulching and wrapping young or newly planted yews can help protect them.
Arborvitae: While generally hardy, arborvitae can suffer from winter burn, especially if exposed to drying winds. Burlap wraps or windbreaks can help protect these shrubs in winter.

Benefits of Protecting Evergreen Shrubs from Frost in November

Prevents Winter Burn: Wrapping and protecting evergreen shrubs from cold winds and frost helps prevent winter burn, a common issue where the foliage dries out and turns brown.
Reduces Moisture Loss: By mulching and providing wind protection, you help reduce moisture loss from the roots and foliage, ensuring the shrub stays hydrated throughout the winter.
Shields from Frost and Freeze Damage: Proper protection helps insulate the shrub’s roots and foliage from frost and freeze damage, which can weaken the plant and reduce its vigor in spring.
Promotes Healthy Spring Growth: By protecting evergreen shrubs from the harshness of winter, you ensure that they remain healthy and vibrant, ready to produce strong growth and maintain their shape when spring arrives.

Additional Tips for Protecting Evergreen Shrubs from Frost

Water Regularly Until Ground Freezes: Continue watering your evergreen shrubs regularly until the ground freezes. Well-hydrated shrubs are more resistant to frost damage and winter burn.
Watch for Ice Damage: Heavy snow or ice accumulation can cause branches to bend or break. Gently shake off heavy snow, but avoid trying to remove ice, as it can cause further damage to the branches.
Reapply Anti-Desiccants as Needed: Anti-desiccant sprays typically need to be reapplied throughout the winter to maintain their effectiveness, especially after rain or snow.
Monitor Shrubs Throughout Winter: Keep an eye on your evergreen shrubs during the winter months, especially after storms or periods of extreme cold. Adjust windbreaks or coverings as needed to provide the best protection.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: How do I protect evergreen shrubs from winter burn?
To protect evergreen shrubs from winter burn, water them thoroughly before the ground freezes, apply mulch to insulate the roots, and consider using burlap wraps or windbreaks to shield them from cold winter winds.

Q2: Should I cover my evergreen shrubs during winter?
In particularly cold or windy climates, you can cover evergreen shrubs with burlap or frost cloth for added protection. Be sure to secure the covering loosely to allow for airflow while protecting the foliage from frost and wind.

Q3: How thick should mulch be around evergreen shrubs?
Apply a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of your evergreen shrubs. This helps insulate the roots and regulate soil moisture and temperature during the winter months.

Q4: Should I prune my evergreen shrubs in November?
Avoid heavy pruning in November, as this can stimulate new growth that is vulnerable to frost damage. Instead, wait until early spring to prune away any winter-damaged branches.

Q5: How often should I water evergreen shrubs before winter?
Water evergreen shrubs deeply and regularly until the ground freezes, especially if rainfall has been limited. Moist soil helps protect the roots from freezing temperatures and reduces the risk of winter burn.