How do you keep evergreens from turning brown?

To keep evergreens from turning brown, focus on consistent moisture, proper soil conditions, and protection from environmental stresses, especially during colder months.

Evergreens can turn brown for several reasons, but a common culprit, particularly in winter, is desiccation, which is excessive moisture loss. This occurs when the plants lose more water through their needles than their roots can absorb from frozen or dry soil.

Key Strategies to Prevent Evergreen Browning

Proactive care throughout the year, with a special emphasis on late summer and fall, is crucial.

1. Optimal Watering Practices

Ensuring adequate hydration is perhaps the most critical step, especially for preventing winter browning.

• Thorough Hydration in Fall: Provide thorough watering from late summer through fall. This is essential to ensure evergreens have ample moisture reserves before the ground freezes. Water deeply until the soil is saturated, allowing it to drain between waterings.
• Deep and Infrequent Watering: During dry periods in any season, water deeply to encourage roots to grow further down into the soil, making the plant more resilient to drought. Light, frequent watering promotes shallow root growth.
• Monitor Soil Moisture: Check the soil moisture regularly, especially for newly planted evergreens or during periods of drought. The top few inches of soil should feel consistently moist, but not waterlogged.

2. Strategic Mulching

Applying mulch around the base of evergreens is a simple yet highly effective way to maintain soil health and moisture.

• Protect the Root Zone: Topping the root zone of the evergreen with mulch is vital. A 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch (like wood chips, pine needles, or shredded bark) helps regulate soil temperature, keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
• Retain Soil Moisture: Mulch significantly reduces water evaporation from the soil, directly combating desiccation by ensuring more moisture is available to the roots.
• Weed Suppression & Soil Health: It also suppresses weeds that compete for water and nutrients, and as it decomposes, it enriches the soil structure.
• Application Tip: Keep mulch a few inches away from the tree trunk or shrub stems to prevent rot and pest issues.

3. Protection from Environmental Stress

Beyond watering and mulching, consider protecting evergreens from harsh weather conditions.

• Wind Protection: Strong, dry winter winds can strip moisture from needles, leading to browning. Consider erecting burlap screens on the windward side of vulnerable evergreens, especially young plants or those in exposed locations.
• Sunscald Prevention: Intense winter sun reflecting off snow can cause sunscald, browning needles. Burlap screens can also help here, particularly for south-facing evergreens.
• Anti-Desiccant Sprays: In some cases, anti-desiccant sprays can be applied to needles in late fall to reduce moisture loss. However, these are temporary solutions and should be used with caution, as they can sometimes interfere with natural plant processes.

4. Proper Planting and Soil Conditions

The foundation for a healthy evergreen is laid during planting.

• Well-Draining Soil: Evergreens thrive in well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with organic matter to improve drainage.
• Correct Planting Depth: Plant evergreens at the correct depth, ensuring the root collar (where the trunk flares out) is even with or slightly above the soil line. Planting too deep can lead to root rot.
• Site Selection: Choose a planting site appropriate for the evergreen's mature size and light requirements. Full sun is preferred by most evergreens, but some prefer partial shade.

5. Pruning and General Care

Regular maintenance also plays a role in preventing browning.

• Prune Dead or Damaged Branches: Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches promptly to improve air circulation and direct the plant's energy to healthy growth.
• Avoid Late-Season Pruning: Do not prune evergreens heavily in late summer or fall, as this can stimulate new growth that won't have time to harden off before winter, making it susceptible to cold damage.
• Fertilization (Use Sparingly): Over-fertilization can burn roots. If needed, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring, based on soil test recommendations. Healthy evergreens often require minimal fertilization.

Summary of Prevention Methods

By implementing these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of your evergreens turning brown and ensure they remain vibrant and healthy year-round.