How to Protect Trees and Shrubs in New Jersey Winters

How to Protect Trees and Shrubs in New Jersey Winters

Winter in New Jersey can bring beautiful snowfall, but heavy wet snow is tough and it is important how to protect trees and shrubs is key. Snow clinging to branches adds significant weight, which can cause limbs to bend, split, or snap entirely. Protecting your landscape during and after storms is key to preserving curb appeal and long-term plant health.

Remove Snow Gently

Avoid shaking branches, which can break them. Instead, use a broom to gently brush snow upward from underneath each branch. Start at the bottom and work your way up to reduce stress on lower limbs.

If ice has formed, do not chip it away. Ice removal can strip bark and make plants more susceptible to disease. Allow it to melt naturally.

Inspect for Damage

After a storm, carefully check your trees and shrubs for:

• Cracked or split trunks

• Hanging or broken branches

• Evergreens pulled open at the center

• Trees leaning due to saturated soil

For evergreens like arborvitae or columnar shrubs, gently tie splayed branches together using soft garden twine. Be careful not to wrap too tightly — plants need some flexibility in winter winds.

Prune Broken Limbs

Prune only completely broken branches using clean, sharp tools. Cut just outside the branch collar to help the plant heal. Avoid major pruning in extreme cold; milder temperatures are better for recovery.

Prepare for Future Storms

Preventative steps make a big difference:

• Loosely wrap upright evergreens in burlap before heavy snow

• Tie columnar shrubs in late fall to prevent splitting

• Avoid late-season fertilizing, as soft growth is more prone to breaking

Ongoing Monitoring

Winter damage may not be immediate. Keep an eye out in the weeks after a storm for:

• Browning needles

• Branch dieback

• Signs of fungal disease

Catching stress early allows you to intervene before long-term damage occurs.

Proper winter care not only preserves your landscape but also supports your home’s value. For more seasonal home tips, check out our Winter Home Maintenance Guide and Seasonal Landscaping Tips for NJ Homes.

   Roslyn Sibilia, Realtor®  | 732-995-5609 |  RSibilia@ERAcentral.com  | NJHomesbyRoslyn.com

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