Should I Spray Anti-Desiccants on My Evergreen Trees?

Winter is hard on trees. It may not look like it, but the cold climate and harsh conditions can cause a long list of hardships, even for coniferous trees like evergreens. The ultimate way to better protect your evergreen landscaping trees from freezing temperature and inclement winter weather is stay on top of your routine tree care checklist throughout the winter season. Additionally, consider adding anti-desiccant treatments to your checklist too. Unsure about the effects and applications of anti-desiccants on evergreen trees? You are not alone.

Continue reading to learn some brief, fundamental facts about such tree care treatments, including how they help trees survive the winter and where you can find trusted winter tree service near you.

Winter Tree Service Indianapolis Indiana 317-783-2518
Winter Tree Service Indianapolis Indiana 317-783-2518

Coniferous Tree Damage in Winter

In general, the most damaging effect on trees is the loss of moisture they experience. Through tiny pores on their needles or leaves, trees will lose moisture and dry out. Because of the extreme dry air and harsher winds, the rate of moisture loss in trees is drastically accelerated, which causes a faster decline compared to other seasons of the year. Coniferous trees react to these elemental conditions by drawing more and more water from the roots to feeds the leaves or needles. As a result, trees experience all sorts of health problems, primarily needle discoloration and loss. This tree health problem is known as winter burn, or winter desiccation.

Anti-Desiccants Can Prevent Winter Burn

A common method of preventing the affects of winter weather and moisture loss in trees, including winter burn, is to include anti-desiccant treatments to your regular tree care routine. Anti-desiccants are effective at abating this cycle of water over-consumption and needle loss in trees because they are specially formulated to stop moisture in its tracks. Anti-desiccant treatments are a wax coating application applied to the needles and leaves of trees that acts as a barrier against harsh winters, freezing temperatures and dry air. Think of anti-desiccant coatings like your hand moisturizers or house humidifiers, which promote moisture retention and abates moisture loss in our skin.

Additional Ways to Protect Trees in Winter:

► Mulch Around Trees
► Insulate/Wrap Tree Trunks
► Brace Young or Vulnerable Trees
► Prevent Deer Damage  
► Remove Heavy Snow on Branches
► Keep Ice Salts Away
► Prune in the Spring and Fall
► Annual Tree Inspections

Where to Get Winter Tree Service in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for Indianapolis tree service you can trust. We are highly trained and experienced tree care technicians that offer commercial and residential tree services at affordable prices. Request an estimate or advice anytime. Contact us to learn more about tree care in Indianapolis, IN today.

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

What is Winter Burn in Trees?

Also known as desiccation, winter burn is a potentially-fatal seasonal problem among evergreen trees. The most common causes for winter burn are insufficient levels of moisture in soil, freezing temperatures, and inclement winds. These factors cause trees to lose moisture faster than they can replace it, as a result of the frozen ground and soil conditions. Because of these conditions, trees suffering from winter burn often die before spring arrives.

If you suspect your evergreen trees are suffering from desiccation, continue reading to learn more facts about treatment, prevention, and professional service.

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518
Winter Tree Care 317-783-2518

Common Signs of Winter Burn

The signs and symptoms of winter burn in trees vary depending on the species. For instance, the needles of Fir trees might turn yellow or red, whereas spruces and pines will experience yellow to brown discoloration, leading to red tipped needles. The “ombre” needle coloring is the most common sign of winter burn. Usually, one side of a tree is affected more than the other because of wind and sun exposure. So a half discolored evergreen could be suffering from desiccation.

Treatment and Prevention

To treat winter burn, you must start by preventing it from happening in the first place. That is because most trees that come down with desiccation are not curable, especially for newly planted or young trees. Once needles discolor or die, they will not come back until next spring; and that’s only if you take the proper precautions throughout the rest of the year.

Common Methods of Prevention:

Regular Watering (12-18 inches of saturation per week)
Fertilization
Mulching
Pest Management
Wind Barriers
Routine Tree Pruning
Regularly Water Newly Planted/Young Trees

Indianapolis Tree Services

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for experienced Indianapolis tree service you can trust. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree work, including tree removal, trimming, pruning, stump removal, lot clearing, and more. Call 317-783-2518 to request a free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518