BRIAN PAIGE
WINTER RECEIVES PLANT BEACON PROTECTION AWARD
BRIAN PAIGE
WINTER RECEIVES PLANT BEACON PROTECTION AWARD
Simple Shields That Keep Landscapes Alive
The right combination of anti-desiccants and shrub covers can make all the difference come spring.
By Evelyn Long
Many plants are resilient enough to withstand rain or shine. However, winter is a specific season that can cause plants to wither due to its more extreme conditions. Experts within the green industry understand that to keep plants alive, it’ s vital to incorporate forms of protection, such as anti-desiccants and shrub covers.
Why Winter Plant Protection Matters Plant protection is vital year-round, but winter brings unique threats. Freezing temperatures alone may cause damage or even death to most greenery. Another problem is that the snow and frost can accumulate and crush less stable plants.
That said, winter also has several benefits. For example, freezing temperatures can conserve organic substances and improve soil health. Melting snow can also provide soil with the moisture it needs to support the growth of new plants.
The cold weather can also ward off insects and diseases that would have otherwise taken advantage of any present greenery. Thus, it’ s essential to balance protecting the plants from winter’ s harmful effects while allowing the positive ones to take hold.
Breaking Down Winter Plant Stress Understanding winter plant stress helps professionals determine protection needs. Beyond physical damage, root reactions are a major but less visible concern. An abundance of freezing temperatures and snow would affect the soil underneath during the actual season. The dryness can dehydrate plant roots and affect their ability to absorb other forms of nutrients.
These processes can occur from tall trees to even the smallest forms of greenery. Grass itself stops growing when temperatures drop below 50 ° F, and any potential temperature shifts take time to reflect in the soil.
How Anti-Desiccants Mitigate the Winter Weather Anti-desiccants are a special spray that adds a protective film to plant leaves and stems. This thin layer is designed to combat cold winds by retaining any existing moisture in a plant. Minimizing water loss is critical in preventing leaves from turning brown or dying.
Using an anti-desiccant is a viable way to mitigate winter stress in plants. It has minimal to no effect on the foliage, as the coating slowly dissipates after around four months or so. Green industry professionals simply need to figure out the proper application timing.
The Value of Shrub Covers While anti-desiccants are chemical solutions, shrub covers can serve as physical barriers to place over small to medium-sized plants. They’ re great at deterring winter winds, snow, and ice while providing breathability. Along with weather defense, the covers can protect plants from sunscald and deer, which is vital in more vulnerable areas.
The shrub cover’ s ability to provide some level of protection for the ground or soil from which a plant is sprouting makes it an exceptional winter protection tool. However, it’ s essential to secure it, especially during harsh winters. continued on page 18
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