It is often necessary to give a little extra attention to trees and shrubs in the fall to help them overwinter and start spring in peak condition. Understanding certain principles and cultural practices will significantly reduce winter damage to woody ornamentals. Desiccation, or drying out, can be particularly damaging to evergreens, causing discolored or burned foliage and even plant death.
Leaves continue to transpire in the winter, though at a lesser rate than in the summer.
Winter winds can increase the rate of transpiration, causing the plant to dry out, particularly if the ground is frozen and the plant cannot take up more water. Mid-winter freezing often takes the form of bark splitting. Breakage is usually caused by a combination of ice, snow, or wind. The weight of ice and snow can break even large, strong branches, especially if the wind further taxes the plant's physical strength. Another cause of breakage is improper removal of ice and snow.