Winter Burn on Blue Atlas Cedar and Other Evergreens

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar

The winter of 2010-2011 has proven to be especially harsh on the landscape.  I for one  have been getting a lot of questions regarding winter burn on weeping and upright Blue Atlas Cedar as well as on Cryptomeria and Golden Oriental Spruce.  The narrow needles on these evergreens can be prone to dehydration due to the drying effect of winter winds that can cause the needles to appear brown.  The intense snow and reflection of rays from the sun this particular winter has also magnified this effect. 

Winter Burn on Blue Atlas Cedar

This browning of the needles or "winter burn" should correct itself once the weather starts to warm and water is able to get to the cells of the plant and once again activate the chlorophyll within.  If the tree is well established it should most likely fully recover and start to push out new growth as the temperatures rise.

Cryptomeria

Just an added note that the needles of Cryptomeria japonica do turn a bronze color in winter which is perfectly normal.  I have found that this year there has also been an increased number of fallen branches and browning of needles and branches; however, the winter winds seem to be natures way of giving the trees a good cleaning out.   In the spring sunlight will be able to reach the inner portion of these evergreens and cause the trees to push out new growth.  

Skylands Oriental Spruce

There may be some winter burn and dead branches on your Oriental Spruce as well from this winter.  In spring is best to cut out the dead branches and the browned needles should recover once water moves back into the cells and chlorophyll causes the plant to re-gain its color. 

It is not recommended to spray the above-mentioned trees with anti-desiccant because it has been known to change the beautiful color of these trees. When in doubt always ask a tree professional.



Many evergreens do go through a natural shed of their inner needles approximately every three years in order to make room for new growth.  Once the harshness of the winter winds diminish and spring arrives new growth will eventually push out and restore the natural beauty of your evergreens.

Additional Reading:  Winterizing Evergreens Anti-Desiccant Spray

                                                    As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2011. All rights reserved

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