This winter season you may have noticed some broadleaf evergreens getting brown tips on their leaves and maybe even beginning to lose leaves.
The reason may surprise you
As cold as it’s been this winter the damage to these plants actually started months ago. If you remember the first week in November, there was a hard freeze where temps fell into the teens overnight. Unfortunately, this happened before the plants had a chance to fully go dormant and prepare for winter.
Evidence of this type of damage is most commonly seen in shallow rooted evergreens such as the ones shown in the video above: Laurels, Euonymus and Hollies.
Continuous cold temps throughout the winter season don’t help the situation either. There is little moisture in frozen soil to help protect roots.
The key is patience
In the spring don’t rush to prune branches that may not really be dead, the leaves are discolored but the buds are still alive. That means the branch is still alive too. Once the ground thaws and the shrub can absorb water through its roots, it may recover.
One way to tell if a branch is alive is to gently scratch the bark. If you see a green layer beneath the outer bark, it’s still alive. It may lose its damaged leaves or needles, but it can sprout more later.
Remember – be patient.
Salvador began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March 2017.
Noé began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in July of 2020.
David began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March of 2019.
Fredi began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March of 2003.
Miguel began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in June 2014.
Nelson began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March 2019.
Arturo began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in September of 2011.
Antonio began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March 2001.
Mark began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in September 2010. Mark holds the following certifications; Aquascape Academy Certified, Maryland Certified Pesticide Applicator, and Maryland Certified Fertilizer Applicator.
Shawnee began working with Damascus Enterprises in April 2021.
Mike is a 3rd generation landscape professional and has worked in the field of horticulture for over 20 years. He has an AAS degree in landscape technology from Montgomery College. Mike is a Certified Professional Horticulturist through the Maryland Department of Agriculture and Landscape Industry Certified in softscape, and hardscape installation certified through PLANET. Mike began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in February 2014.
Damascus Enterprises, Inc. was established by Scott in 1998 as strictly a landscape company. Under his leadership and through continued training the business has grown and expanded to now offer a full array of services that include pond and waterfall installation and maintenance, lawn care, landscape design, custom stonework, and outdoor lighting.Scott is an Aquascape Certified Contractor, Vista Certified Design & Installation Specialist and regularly attends industry education and networking events like Pondemonium and Pondeminium. He has previously been recognized as a top young entrepreneur by Maryland’s Governor and the Small Business Association. He currently serves on the board of Montgomery County Farm Bureau and is Co-chair of the entertainment committee of the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair and is involved in the Damascus community through various activities. Scott and his wife Melody live in Damascus with their two children.