winter desiccation
Winter desiccation, or winter burn, occurs when evergreens lose more moisture through needles or leaves due to wind and sun than their roots can replace from frozen soil. Symptoms include brown/red foliage (often on the south/west side) and twig dieback. Prevent it by watering deeply in autumn, mulching, and using burlap windbreaks.
Did you know?
Winter desiccation often affects broadleaf evergreens because leaves lose water while frozen soil prevents roots from replacing it.
