Protecting Shrubs and Hedges From Snow and Salt

Short answer: Protect shrubs and hedges from snow by tying upright evergreens loosely, keeping plowed snow off them, and brushing heavy wet snow off branches upward. Protect them from salt by wrapping exposed shrubs near driveways and roads with burlap and keeping salty snow out of beds.

Snow load damage

Heavy, wet snow and ice can split upright cedars, junipers and boxwoods, and snap brittle branches. Shrubs under roof edges get hit by sliding snow. Most damage happens in a few big storms, so a little preparation goes a long way.

Salt damage

Salt spray from roads and salty snow thrown off driveways browns evergreen needles on the exposed side and damages roots when meltwater soaks into the bed. Damage often shows up in spring as brown, dry foliage facing the street or driveway.

How to protect them

1. Loosely tie upright evergreens with soft twine in a spiral before winter.
2. Put burlap screens on the road or driveway side of exposed shrubs.
3. Ask your snow crew to stack snow away from beds.
4. Brush heavy snow off branches by lifting upward, not shaking down.
5. Leave ice to melt on its own; breaking it off tears branches.
6. Flush beds with water in spring if salt damage is suspected.

What to avoid

• Wrapping shrubs tightly in plastic, which traps heat and moisture.
• Piling salty snow directly on beds.
• Heavy pruning in late fall.

When to call a professional

Bed and shrub prep can be added to a fall yard cleanup, and our snow crews stack snow away from planting beds wherever the site allows.

Questions homeowners ask

Which shrubs need burlap?

Evergreens close to roads and salted driveways, and young or tender shrubs in exposed spots.

When should I remove the wraps?

In spring once hard frosts are over.

Can salt-damaged shrubs recover?

Many do if the damage is limited to foliage. Wait until late spring before cutting anything out.