How to Care for Evergreen Trees in Northern Climates

Care for evergreen trees in northern climates requires the right approach to keep them strong and healthy year-round. Evergreens are the backbone of northern landscapes. 

They stand tall through the harshest winters, keep your yard private year-round, and add a splash of green when everything else is brown and bare. But if you want them to stay strong and healthy, they need the right care.

From keeping them hydrated to protecting them from winter burn, here’s everything you need to know to keep your evergreens thriving in cold climates.

Why Evergreen Trees Need Extra Care

It’s easy to think of evergreens as low-maintenance. After all, they don’t drop leaves in the fall like other trees. But because they keep their needles all year, they actually lose moisture even in winter. 

That means without the right care, they can suffer from winter burn, root damage, and needle drop – all of which can leave them looking thin, brown, or even dead.

Evergreens also face threats from pests, diseases, and winter storms. Heavy snow can weigh down branches and break them, while extreme cold can weaken trees, making them more susceptible to fungal infections or insect infestations.

Luckily, a little extra attention goes a long way. Let’s get into what your evergreens need to stay lush and full, no matter how cold it gets.

Understanding Evergreen Trees in Cold Climates

Evergreens have evolved to handle harsh winter conditions in ways that make them incredibly resilient. Their needle-like leaves have a waxy coating that helps retain moisture and reduces water loss, even in freezing temperatures. Their conical shape naturally sheds snow, preventing excessive weight from building up on branches. 

Some species handle cold better than others. White spruce and balsam fir are naturally resistant to frigid temperatures, while species like Colorado blue spruce need extra care due to their susceptibility to diseases like cytospora canker.

Additionally, evergreens enter a state of dormancy in winter, slowing down their metabolism to conserve energy. This means they still need moisture, but their roots may not be able to absorb frozen water from the ground, making pre-winter watering crucial.

Selecting the Right Evergreen Trees for Your Property

Choosing the right evergreen for your region is key to long-term success. Start by checking your USDA hardiness zone to ensure you’re planting a tree suited to your climate.

• For cold, dry areas: Choose Black Hills spruce, white pine, or Austrian pine, as they are drought-resistant and hardy.
• For windbreaks and privacy: Consider Norway spruce, which grows up to 3 feet per year.
• For urban settings: Junipers and pines tolerate pollution well, making them great for city landscapes.
• For coastal or roadside planting: Norway spruce is salt-tolerant and can withstand road spray in winter.
• For small yards: Look for dwarf varieties like Tannenbaum mugo pine, Wintergreen Littleleaf, or American Pillar Arborvitae, which stays narrow while still providing a dense privacy screen. American Pillar Arborvitae is especially great for those who want tall privacy but have limited space, as it grows up to 30 feet high but remains just 3-4 feet wide. Choosing the right evergreen for your region is key to long-term success. Start by checking your USDA hardiness zone to ensure you’re planting a tree suited to your climate.

Watering Evergreens in Cold Climates

Evergreens need water, even when it’s cold. They don’t go completely dormant in winter like deciduous trees do, so they’re always using moisture.

How and When to Water

• Water deeply, not frequently. A slow, deep soak encourages strong root growth. Shallow watering won’t reach the roots where it matters.
• Give them a big drink before winter. Before the ground freezes in late fall, water deeply so they have enough moisture stored up for the cold months ahead.
• Winter watering matters. If you have a mild winter where the ground thaws, take advantage of the warmer days and give your trees a little extra hydration.
• Newly planted trees need extra care. Water regularly for the first two years to help the roots establish.

Fertilizing Evergreens

Evergreens don’t need heavy feeding, but a little boost can help them grow stronger and resist pests and diseases.

In our yard, we use Plant Tone and Holly Tone, depending on the plant. For arborvitae trees, we apply Plant Tone, while for juniper trees, we use Holly Tone since it works better for acid-loving plants. 

There’s also an organic fertilizer made specifically for trees called Espoma Organic Evergreen-Tone (4-3-4), which is designed for evergreen trees and shrubs.

We add fertilizer once a year, in late March or early April, depending on the weather. That’s it! Over-fertilizing can do more harm than good, so we stick to this early spring routine to give our evergreens the nutrients they need to thrive throughout the year.

Pruning and Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures your evergreens remain healthy and full. We prune in late winter to early spring, removing dead or damaged branches.

One needed task we do every year is clearing out dead needles from inside arborvitae trees. We use a blower or gently brush the interior with our hands to improve airflow and prevent fungal buildup.

In winter, if we get heavy snow, we brush the snow off the branches and tie the evergreens with Biostretch tree ties to prevent splitting under the weight.

Protecting Evergreens from Winter Damage

Winter can be tough on evergreens, but with a few simple steps, you can help them survive even the harshest conditions.

• Use burlap screens to protect young trees from winter winds and road salt.
• Apply mulch (2-4 inches) around the base to keep soil temperatures stable.
• Use anti-desiccant sprays to reduce moisture loss from needles.
• Support weak branches with stakes or tree ties to prevent breakage from snow buildup.
• Avoid fertilizing in late summer to prevent new growth that won’t harden off before winter.

Common Evergreen Problems & Solutions

Even with the best care, evergreens can run into issues. Here are a few common ones and how to fix them.

• Winter Burn: Brown or scorched needles in spring? Water deeply in fall and use burlap wraps.
• Needle Drop: Some shedding is normal, but excessive loss may signal drought stress or disease.
• Fungal Diseases: Improve air circulation and remove infected branches to prevent needle cast disease.
• Pests (Bagworms, Spider Mites, Scale, Aphids): Use Neem oil and insecticidal soap in spring and summer to prevent infestations.

Seasonal Evergreen Tree Care

Caring for evergreens is a year-round job, and each season brings its own set of tasks. In the spring, it’s all about helping your trees wake up after a long winter. This is the time to check for any winter damage, prune broken branches, and give them a good deep watering if the soil is dry. 

A slow-release fertilizer in late March or early April gives them the boost they need for the growing season. It’s also a great time to clear out dead needles inside arborvitae trees with a blower or by hand to keep airflow moving and prevent disease buildup.

Summer care is mostly about keeping evergreens hydrated and watching for pests. If there’s a drought or a long stretch of heat, deep watering will help prevent stress. This is also when pests like bagworms, spider mites, and scale tend to show up. 

A quick check under the foliage every few weeks can catch problems early, and organic solutions like Neem oil or insecticidal soap work well if an infestation starts. Pruning should be minimal during summer, but if you spot any damaged or diseased branches, it’s best to remove them right away. For young trees, providing some afternoon shade can help prevent sun scorch.

As fall rolls in, it’s time to prepare your evergreens for winter. Watering should start to slow down, but don’t forget one final deep soak before the ground freezes – this helps prevent winter burn. 

Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall since new growth won’t have time to harden off before the cold sets in. If you have young or delicate evergreens, wrapping them in burlap can protect them from strong winter winds. 

Clearing fallen needles and debris from around the base also helps keep pests and diseases at bay. For columnar evergreens like American Pillar Arborvitae, tying up branches before snowfall can prevent damage from heavy snow loads.

Each season brings a little extra work, but taking care of your evergreens throughout the year ensures they stay strong, full, and vibrant no matter what the weather throws at them.

Caring for evergreens throughout the year ensures they remain strong and vibrant in every season. 

Here’s how to adapt care routines for each part of the year:

Spring Care

• Inspect trees for winter damage and prune any broken or dead branches.
• Apply a slow-release fertilizer in late March or early April to support new growth.
• Clear out dead needles inside arborvitae trees using a blower or by hand.
• Begin deep watering if the soil is dry, helping trees recover from winter stress.
• Apply a fresh layer of mulch to regulate moisture and soil temperature.

Summer Care

• Water deeply during dry spells, especially in drought-prone areas.
• Monitor for pests like bagworms, spider mites, and scale; treat with Neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
• Avoid heavy pruning, but remove any damaged or diseased branches.
• Check for signs of fungal diseases such as needle cast and improve airflow if needed.
• Keep an eye out for sun scorch on young trees and provide temporary shade if necessary.

Fall Care

• Reduce watering as temperatures cool, but ensure trees receive one last deep soak before the ground freezes.
• Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall, as this encourages weak new growth that won’t survive winter.
• Wrap young or delicate evergreens in burlap if they are exposed to strong winter winds.
• Rake up fallen needles and debris around trees to prevent disease and pest buildup.
• Tie up branches of columnar evergreens, such as American Pillar Arborvitae, to prevent snow damage.

Related Article: Best Evergreen Trees for Privacy in Northern Climates – Learn which evergreen trees are best for privacy and cold climates before you start planting!

Final Thoughts

Taking care of Evergreens doesn’t have to be complicated, but consistency is key. These trees are built to withstand the harshest winters, but they thrive when given the right support. Whether you’re planting new evergreens, maintaining an established hedge, or recovering a tree from winter damage, small efforts add up over time.

By focusing on proper planting, watering, fertilizing, and winter protection, you can help your evergreens not only survive but flourish in northern climates. Another key is understanding your specific tree species and its unique needs. Some evergreens need extra moisture, while others handle drought well. Some resist snow and ice better, while others may need added support. Learning these details will make caring for your trees much easier.

It’s also important to monitor for pests and diseases before they become serious problems. Regular inspections and early intervention can prevent widespread damage. And if your trees do suffer from winter stress or storm damage, don’t rush to remove them – many evergreens are resilient and can recover with time and proper care.

Beyond their practical benefits, evergreens add a sense of stability to the landscape. They provide a green backdrop in all seasons, shelter wildlife, and increase property value. With just a bit of effort each season, you can ensure that your evergreens remain healthy, full, and beautiful for years to come.

No matter the challenges that winter brings, these trees will stand tall, offering privacy, beauty, and protection to your home.  Taking care of evergreens doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little effort, you’ll keep your trees looking green, full, and healthy – even through the toughest northern winters!

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