SavATree Suggests Winterizing with Antidesiccants

Antidesiccant sprays can protect plants throughout the winter by helping to reduce water loss…

Winter can be very stressful on trees and shrubs. Extreme temperatures, strong winds, heavy snow and ice storms can all take a toll. The most common threat to plantings during winter is water loss. As the ground freezes, plants are unable to draw up essential moisture so the leaves begin to sacrifice their stored moisture. Additionally, harsh winds blow across the leaves drawing out more moisture potentially leading to sunscald, windburn or — in extreme cases — plant death.

With proper care and the right tools, you can reduce the impact of these harsh elements. The experts at SavATree suggest treating broadleaf evergreens with a natural polymer antidesiccant, such as ArborGuard^®, SavATree’s exclusive formula. Newly transplanted trees and young trees will also benefit from this treatment.

What are Antidesiccants?

Antidesiccants are compounds that, when applied correctly, slow the loss of water from plants. They work by creating a thin barrier over the leaf stomata (the leaf’s pore) locking in moisture. Antidesiccants are especially beneficial at times when roots are unable to take up sufficient water due to a lack of available ground moisture.

Patrick Parker, Director of Plant Health Care at SavATree advises, “To bolster the defenses of our customers’ trees and shrubs throughout winter, we suggest treating with antidesiccants in late fall/early winter — before temperatures dip below freezing. This will give delicate plantings an added layer of protection.”

Antidesiccants Provide Year-round Benefits

Even during the growing season, a plant might not be able to keep up with water lost through its leaves and could benefit from this added layer of protection. Learn more about antidesiccants and other ways to protect your trees and shrubs during the winter.