Evergreens need water in winter

Q. My rhododendrons lose leaves every year. I think they are looking great going into winter, but they drop a few leaves. They still bloom, but are not as nice as I would like them to be. What can I do?

Jessie from Boardman

A. What you are seeing is simply winter desiccation. Everyone noticed this winter damage from our last fierce winter, but it happens every year and affects many evergreen shrubs in our landscapes.

It occurs when the plant’s water usage exceeds what it has stored and is able to uptake from the soil. The result is the drying out of leaves, needles and stems. Depending on the length of the winter when the temperature is continuously below freezing, the plant will not have enough water to combat its own water usage. Sunny and windy days will increase the water loss.

Here are some tips to get your evergreens through the winter:

Be sure the plant is not sitting in water. This will keep roots as healthy as possible so they’re able to uptake water as necessary. You may need to move the plant or simply improve the drainage where it is growing.

Take time to move plants to the correct (or at least better) location now. Plants frequently damaged by winter conditions could be helped by moving them to the east and north sides of the home.

Water evergreens long into the fall and early winter, especially those damaged last winter. This fall has been dry. Plants have not received the 1 inch of water per week they need. Be sure to water slowly and deeply at the ground level. Water evergreens until the ground freezes (if Mother Nature doesn’t give them enough water).

Mulch the area around susceptible plants to conserve moisture longer into the winter period.

Protection may be necessary for some plants. If you have a plant that gets damage every year, try using burlap or other materials around it to reduce the effect of the wind on its water usage.

Learn more about preventing winter damage at go.osu.edu/winterplanning.

Eric Barrett is OSU Extension educator for agriculture and natural resources in Mahoning County. Call the office hot line at 330-533-5538 from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and Thursdays to submit your questions.