Winter Plant Care: Protecting Your Trees and Shrubs from Snow and Ice Damage

Winter in Bend and Redmond, Oregon, can be tough on your landscape, especially when it comes to protecting your trees and shrubs from the damaging effects of snow and ice. The weight of snow, the harshness of ice, and the cold winds can cause significant damage if your plants aren’t properly prepared. Here are some essential tips to help you protect your trees and shrubs during the winter months.

1. Prune Before Winter Hits

Pruning is an essential step in preparing your trees and shrubs for winter:

• Remove Dead or Weak Branches: Prune away any dead, diseased, or weak branches that could break under the weight of snow or ice. Removing these branches reduces the risk of damage to the rest of the plant.

• Thin Out Dense Areas: For shrubs and trees with dense foliage, thinning out some branches can help prevent snow from accumulating and causing branches to snap.

• Shape and Balance: Proper pruning also helps shape and balance your plants, making them less susceptible to damage from uneven snow loads or ice buildup.

2. Use Protective Wraps for Vulnerable Plants

Wrapping your trees and shrubs can provide additional protection against the harsh winter elements:

• Burlap Wraps: Wrap burlap around the trunks of young or delicate trees to protect them from frost, wind, and sunscald. Burlap is breathable and helps shield the bark from cracking or peeling.

• Frost Cloths: For shrubs, frost cloths or horticultural fleece can be used to cover the entire plant, providing a barrier against cold temperatures and ice accumulation.

• Tree Guards: Use tree guards or plastic spirals around the base of young trees to protect them from frost damage and prevent animals from gnawing on the bark during the winter.

3. Support Heavier Branches

For trees and shrubs with heavy branches, providing support can help prevent breakage:

• Staking: Stake young or newly planted trees to give them extra stability during winter storms. Use flexible ties to secure the tree to the stake without restricting its natural movement.

• Tying Branches: For multi-stemmed shrubs or trees with particularly heavy branches, use soft plant ties to gently bind the branches together. This helps them support each other under the weight of snow and ice.

• Remove Snow Buildup: After a heavy snowfall, gently brush snow off branches with a broom to prevent them from breaking. Be careful not to shake the branches, as this can cause brittle wood to snap.

4. Mulch Around the Base

Mulching is not just for summer; it’s also a valuable winter protection technique:

• Insulate the Roots: Apply a thick layer of mulch (2-4 inches) around the base of trees and shrubs to insulate the roots from freezing temperatures. Mulch helps retain soil moisture and keeps the ground temperature more consistent.

• Protect the Soil: Mulch also prevents soil erosion during winter thaws and reduces the risk of frost heaving, where the soil expands and contracts, potentially uprooting plants.

• Leave Space Around the Trunk: When mulching, leave a gap of a few inches around the trunk to prevent moisture buildup that could lead to rot.

5. Address Ice Damage Promptly

If your trees or shrubs do suffer ice damage, it’s important to address it promptly:

• Do Not Prune Immediately: If branches are weighed down by ice, avoid pruning them immediately. Wait until the ice has melted and the branches have returned to their natural position before assessing the damage.

• Clean Cuts: If branches have broken, make clean cuts with sharp pruning tools to remove the damaged wood. This helps prevent disease and promotes healthy regrowth in the spring.

• Wait for Spring: If you’re unsure how much damage has been done, wait until spring to see how the tree or shrub responds before making any major pruning decisions.

Conclusion

Winter in Bend and Redmond, Oregon, presents challenges for keeping your trees and shrubs healthy, but with the right care, you can protect your landscape from snow and ice damage. By pruning properly, using protective wraps, supporting heavy branches, and mulching around the base, you can help your plants survive the winter and thrive when spring arrives. Taking these steps now will ensure that your trees and shrubs remain strong, healthy, and beautiful year-round.