Protect your Twin Cities evergreens from February winter burn. Expert prevention and recovery from Minnesota Landscapes' ISA Certified Arborists.
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Every year, Twin Cities homeowners watch with dismay as their beautiful evergreens turn brown and lifeless by March. Arborvitae that screened the neighbor's view perfectly last summer now look half-dead. Yews that anchored the foundation plantings are scorched and damaged. Rhododendrons that cost hundreds of dollars display brown, curled leaves instead of glossy green foliage.
This damage—called winter burn or winter desiccation—peaks in February and March when Minnesota's bright winter sun combines with frozen soil and drying winds to create the perfect storm for evergreen destruction. At Minnesota Landscapes, our ISA Certified Arborists see this preventable damage destroy thousands of dollars in landscaping investments every late winter throughout White Bear Lake, Shoreview, Woodbury, and across the Twin Cities metro.
The good news? Winter burn is largely preventable when you understand what causes it and take proper protective measures. Even better news: if you're reading this in February and noticing early signs of damage, there are still steps you can take to minimize the destruction.
Winter burn occurs when evergreen plants lose more moisture through their needles or leaves than they can replace through their roots. In Minnesota's harsh winter climate, this creates a perfect storm of damaging conditions:
Frozen Soil: When soil freezes solid—which in Minnesota typically means frost penetration of 3-6 feet—plant roots cannot absorb water, even if moisture is present in the soil.
Bright Winter Sun: February and March feature increasingly intense sunlight that heats evergreen foliage, causing stomata (tiny pores in leaves and needles) to open and release moisture.
Drying Winds: Minnesota's winter winds accelerate moisture loss from evergreen foliage, especially on exposed plants.
Temperature Fluctuations: Sunny February days that warm evergreen foliage above freezing, followed by frigid nights, create repeated stress cycles that compound the damage.
Kelly Bremer, one of Minnesota Landscapes' professional landscape designers, explains the challenge: "People think evergreens are tough and maintenance-free, but they're actually quite vulnerable in Minnesota winters. The plants desperately need water, but the frozen ground makes it impossible for roots to deliver moisture. It's like slow-motion drought damage happening in the middle of winter."
Not all evergreens face equal risk. Our team's nearly three decades of experience with tree services throughout the Twin Cities has identified the most vulnerable species:
Rhododendrons and Azaleas: These popular foundation plants suffer severe winter burn in exposed locations. Their large leaves present significant surface area for moisture loss.
Boxwood: Especially vulnerable varieties turn bronze or brown by late winter. New growth is often damaged or killed.
Hollies: Both American holly and winterberry holly can suffer significant winter burn, particularly on south and west-facing exposures.
Mountain Laurel: Struggles in Minnesota's climate even in protected locations; winter burn is almost guaranteed without proper protection.
Arborvitae (especially 'Emerald' and 'Techny' varieties): Perhaps the most commonly damaged evergreen in Twin Cities landscapes. These popular privacy screen plants turn brown on the sunny side by February.
Yew (Taxus): Foundation plantings often show significant winter burn by March, particularly on south-facing sides of homes.
Hemlock: Extremely susceptible to winter desiccation; generally not recommended for exposed Minnesota locations.
Fir (especially Balsam and Concolor): More vulnerable than spruce species; needs protected locations and proper fall preparation.
Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana): Native to Minnesota, but can still suffer damage in harsh winters or exposed locations.
Austrian Pine and Norway Spruce: Generally resistant but young specimens or recently transplanted trees remain vulnerable.
Blue Spruce: Moderate resistance; established specimens typically survive well, but new plantings need protection.
When Minnesota Landscapes designs comprehensive exterior landscapes for clients in Apple Valley, Eden Prairie, or Mendota Heights, we strategically select evergreen species based on their winter burn resistance and the specific microclimate conditions of each location.
Early detection allows you to take protective action before damage becomes catastrophic. Here's what Rick Morrison, Minnesota Landscapes' Operations Manager and ISA Certified Arborist, recommends watching for:
Slight Color Change: Evergreens begin showing subtle color shifts from their normal green. Look for hints of yellow, bronze, or purple tones.
Needle Curling: On broadleaf evergreens like rhododendrons, leaves begin curling inward or downward to reduce surface area exposure.
Tip Browning: The tips of branches—especially on the south and west sides—start showing brown discoloration.
Dry, Brittle Texture: Normally supple needles or leaves feel dry and brittle to the touch.
Widespread Browning: Large sections of the plant turn brown, starting on exposed sides and progressing inward.
Needle Drop: Damaged needles begin falling off, leaving bare branches.
Crispy Foliage: Leaves or needles have completely dried out and crumble when touched.
Branch Dieback: Not just foliage but actual woody tissue has been killed.
Important note: Don't make hasty removal decisions in February or March. Many evergreens that look completely dead will show new growth by late spring. Wait until June before assessing whether the plant can recover.
Minnesota's February weather creates uniquely destructive conditions for evergreens. Understanding why helps you protect your landscape investment:
Increasing Solar Intensity: February's sun angle is approaching spring levels, creating significant heat on south and west-facing foliage. Dark evergreen foliage absorbs this heat, warming needles and leaves well above air temperature.
Still-Frozen Soil: Despite warmer days, soil remains frozen solid in February, sometimes with frost penetration reaching 4-6 feet. Roots cannot possibly access moisture.
Warm-Spell Damage: Those beautiful 40-degree February days that feel like a preview of spring? They're actually peak danger times. Evergreen foliage warms dramatically, stomata open, and moisture loss accelerates—but frozen roots can't replace it.
Wind Amplification: Late winter storms and persistent winds across Minnesota's landscape dramatically increase moisture loss from evergreen foliage.
Reflective Snow Cover: Snow reflects additional solar radiation onto evergreen foliage, intensifying the heating and desiccation effects.
If you're reading this in February and noticing winter burn symptoms, don't panic—but do take action quickly:
Apply Anti-Desiccant Spray: Although typically applied in December, anti-desiccant sprays can still provide some benefit in February if applied on a day when temperatures are above 40°F. These products form a thin protective coating that reduces moisture loss. Look for brands like Wilt-Pruf or Transfilm.
Erect Wind Barriers: If you haven't already, install burlap screens on the south, southwest, and west sides of vulnerable evergreens. The barrier should not touch the foliage—maintain 12 inches of space.
Water Thoroughly on Warm Days: Whenever temperatures rise above freezing and soil isn't frozen solid, water evergreens thoroughly. Even limited water uptake helps.
Add Emergency Mulch: If you haven't adequately mulched (3-4 inches depth), add mulch immediately around the base of vulnerable evergreens to help moderate soil temperature.
Avoid Pruning Damaged Foliage: Don't cut away brown or damaged foliage yet. Wait until June when you can accurately assess what survived and what didn't.
Don't Apply Fertilizer: Stressed evergreens should not be fertilized during winter or early spring. This creates additional stress.
Don't Prune Aggressively: Removing damaged foliage in February removes the plant's ability to photosynthesize once temperatures warm.
Don't Overwater: Water only when temperatures are above freezing and soil can absorb moisture.
Our comprehensive tree care services include winter burn prevention as a standard component of landscape health programs:
Anti-Desiccant Application: We apply professional-grade anti-desiccant sprays in late November and again in January, creating a protective barrier that reduces moisture loss by up to 50%.
Strategic Burlap Installation: Unlike homeowner DIY attempts that often damage plants or look unsightly, our crews install properly spaced burlap screens that protect without smothering.
Comprehensive Watering: Our teams ensure thorough fall watering—one of the most important winter burn prevention measures. Evergreens enter winter with fully hydrated tissue.
Root Zone Mulching: We apply proper depth mulch (3-4 inches) that insulates soil, moderates temperature swings, and helps retain soil moisture.
The best winter burn protection begins during the design phase. When Minnesota Landscapes creates landscape plans for properties in Cottage Grove, Afton, or Rosemount, we:
Select Appropriate Species: We choose evergreen varieties proven to tolerate Minnesota's winter conditions in the specific microclimate of your property.
Strategic Placement: Vulnerable evergreens go in protected locations—east sides of buildings, behind windbreaks, or in naturally sheltered areas.
Microclimate Analysis: We map sun exposure, wind patterns, and reflection zones (from snow, buildings, or water) to identify high-risk areas.
Companion Planting: We use deciduous trees and structural elements to provide natural winter protection for vulnerable evergreens.
This design-first approach is why our clients in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Edina don't face the widespread winter burn damage that plagues landscapes designed and installed by contractors who don't understand Minnesota's harsh climate.
For evergreens that suffered winter burn despite protective efforts, our ISA Certified Arborists provide:
Professional Damage Assessment: In June, when new growth reveals what survived, we evaluate the extent of damage and recovery potential.
Corrective Pruning: We remove dead tissue without over-pruning, giving plants the best chance to recover.
Recovery Treatment Programs: Appropriate fertilization, watering schedules, and monitoring to support regrowth.
Replacement Planning: If damage is severe, we recommend and install appropriate replacements—with proper protection measures in place for next winter.
Homeowners who work with Minnesota Landscapes for comprehensive landscape design and installation benefit from our integrated approach to winter resilience:
We don't recommend the same evergreen palette for a wind-swept property in White Bear Lake that we would for a sheltered courtyard in Shoreview. Every landscape design considers:
Well-designed hardscaping provides natural winter protection for vulnerable plants. When we design and install patios and walkways, we consider how these elements will:
Our annual maintenance contracts throughout Woodbury, Eagan, and the greater Twin Cities include winter protection services:
Replacing mature evergreens destroyed by winter burn is expensive—and the new plants remain vulnerable until established:
Cost Comparison:
Beyond direct costs, consider the years required for replacement plants to reach maturity. That 8-foot arborvitae that dies from winter burn took 10-12 years to reach that size. Even with professional care, the replacement will take most of a decade to provide equivalent screening.
While evergreens suffer the most visible winter burn damage, other landscape elements face February challenges:
Ornamental Grasses: Many varieties suffer from ice damage and winter burn on foliage.
Roses: Hybrid tea roses especially need proper winter protection from drying winds and fluctuating temperatures.
Perennials: Even dormant perennials can suffer root damage from heaving and exposure.
Minnesota Landscapes' comprehensive approach to exterior design addresses winter challenges for all landscape elements, not just evergreens.
February's bright sun and drying winds create peak conditions for winter burn damage throughout the Twin Cities metro. Whether you're seeing early damage symptoms now or planning protection for next winter, professional guidance makes the difference between thriving evergreens and expensive replacements.
Minnesota Landscapes has protected Twin Cities properties from winter burn since 1996. Our team of ISA Certified Arborists, professional landscape designers, and experienced installation crews understands exactly what Minnesota's harsh climate demands—and how to create landscapes that don't just survive winter, they thrive for decades.
Don't wait until March reveals the full extent of winter burn damage. Contact Minnesota Landscapes now for a professional evergreen assessment and protection plan.
Call 651-457-0000 or visit www.minnesotalandscapes.com to schedule your consultation.
Serving White Bear Lake, Shoreview, Woodbury, Apple Valley, Eden Prairie, Edina, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Mendota Heights, Eagan, Cottage Grove, Afton, Rosemount, Dellwood, and all Twin Cities communities with nearly three decades of regional expertise.
