Winter Burn: Why Your Evergreens Turn Brown in Winter (And How to Prevent It)

Every winter, we get calls from homeowners across Eastern PA asking the same question:

“Why are my arborvitae turning brown?” or “Did my boxwoods die?”

Most of the time, the answer is something called winter burn — and it’s more common than you think.

What Is Winter Burn?

Winter burn is the browning or drying out of evergreen foliage caused by moisture loss during winter.

Even though plants are “dormant,” evergreens like arborvitae and boxwood still lose moisture through their needles and leaves. The problem happens when:

• The ground is frozen

• Winter winds are strong

• The sun is bright (especially on the south and west sides)

When soil is frozen, roots can’t absorb water. But wind and sun are still pulling moisture from the foliage. That imbalance causes the tips to dry out, turn brown, and become brittle.

What Does It Look Like?

Tree showing signs of winter burn, with brown, dried foliage contrasting against the lush, green grass.

Winter burn typically shows up as:

• Brown or bronze foliage

• Dry, brittle needle tips

• Damage is mostly on the south and west sides of the plant

• Outer growth affected more than the interior

The good news? In many cases, the plant is still alive. The damage is cosmetic and can grow out in the spring.

Why Arborvitae and Boxwoods Get Hit Hard

Plants like arborvitae and boxwood are especially vulnerable because:

• They have shallow root systems

• They’re often planted in open areas with wind exposure

• They’re frequently used in privacy rows, which catch full winter sun

Across Montgomery County, Bucks County, Berks County, and surrounding Eastern PA areas, we see this every single year — especially after dry falls followed by cold, windy winters.

How to Prevent Winter Burn

The best defense starts before winter even hits.

1. Deep Watering in Fall

Evergreens need to go into winter fully hydrated. We recommend deep, regular watering throughout the fall — especially during dry periods.

Hydrated plants handle winter stress much better.

2. Mulch the Root Zone

A 2–3 inch layer of mulch helps:

• Insulate the soil

• Retain moisture

• Reduce freeze/thaw stress

Just be sure not to pile mulch directly against the trunk.

3. Burlap Wraps for Protection

For exposed plantings, especially newer installs, burlap screens or wraps can block harsh wind and winter sun.

We often recommend this for:

• Newly planted privacy rows

• Properties with open exposure

• Commercial sites with high wind corridors

  
  

4. Anti-Desiccant Sprays

These sprays create a temporary protective coating that reduces moisture loss. They’re most effective when applied correctly and at the right time before freezing temperatures settle in.

What To Do If You See Damage Now

If you’re noticing browning right now:

• Don’t panic

• Don’t rip the plant out

• Wait until spring to assess new growth

Light pruning in early spring can clean up dead tips once you see what’s truly damaged.

If the entire plant is brown all the way through, that’s when replacement may be necessary — but that’s far less common than people think.

Final Thoughts

Winter burn is frustrating, but it’s usually preventable and often not fatal.

Proper fall watering, mulch, and winter protection go a long way in keeping your evergreens healthy and green year-round.

If you’re unsure whether your plants are experiencing winter burn or something more serious, we’re always happy to take a look and give you honest feedback.