If you’ve ever stepped outside in late winter and noticed your evergreens turning brown, especially on one side, you’re not alone. In the Twin Cities, this issue is incredibly common and is usually a sign of winter burn. Dry winter air, cold winds, and frozen soil make it hard for evergreens to hold onto moisture, and the result is that classic bronzing or browning that shows up every spring.
One of the most effective ways to prevent this? Anti-desiccant treatments.
At Birch Tree Care, we apply anti-desiccants to evergreens every fall to help them stay hydrated, healthy, and green through the coldest months in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding suburbs.
What Are Anti-Desiccants?
Anti-desiccants (also called anti-transpirants) are a spray application designed to help evergreens retain moisture during the cold, dry winter months. These treatments create a protective coating that slows moisture loss and helps prevent:
Winter burn
Browning from wind or sun exposure
Dry, brittle foliage
Springtime dieback
Because they need to be applied when temperatures are above freezing, they’re typically done in late fall, right before the deep cold settles in.
And here’s a bonus. Anti-desiccants pair perfectly with deer repellent, since they’re applied to many of the same vulnerable evergreens and shrubs.
Read Our Other Blogs
How Do Anti-Desiccants Work?
Anti-desiccants contain waxy or oily compounds that coat the plant’s foliage. Once applied, they form a thin, breathable barrier over the needles or leaves.
This simple coating does a lot of heavy lifting:
It reduces the amount of moisture that evaporates from the plant
It helps the evergreen conserve energy
It protects foliage from drying winter winds
It stabilizes the plant during deep freezes and sudden temperature swings
By slowing moisture loss, the plant stays healthier and more resilient, not just through winter, but into spring.
Key Benefits for Minnesota Landscapes
1. Protection Against Winter Burn
Minnesota winters are long, cold, and dry, especially in areas like Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, and Woodbury. Anti-desiccants help evergreens keep the moisture they need to survive harsh conditions and avoid that familiar late-winter browning.
2. Better Resilience in Harsh Conditions
Hydrated plants are healthier plants. When moisture stays inside the foliage, your evergreens are better equipped to handle:
Extreme cold
Wind exposure
Intense winter sun
Rapid temperature changes
This is especially important in high-exposure yards or properties near open fields.
3. Added Support for Newly Planted Trees and Shrubs
Young trees and recently transplanted shrubs are highly vulnerable to moisture loss. Anti-desiccants provide an extra layer of protection during their establishment phase, helping them root in and thrive.
4. A More Attractive Winter Landscape
Nobody wants to look outside in February and see brown, crispy evergreens. By preventing leaf drop and foliage discoloration, anti-desiccants help your landscape stay greener and more vibrant all winter, especially in prominent areas like front yards and entrance plantings.
The Anti-Desiccant + Deer Repellent Combo
Because deer tend to target many of the same evergreens that struggle with winter burn, an anti-desiccant application pairs naturally with our deer repellent service.
Both treatments protect:
Arborvitae
Yews
Boxwoods
Rhododendrons
Newly planted evergreens and shrubs
Together, they help ensure your trees don’t just survive the winter, but they look their best when spring arrives in the Twin Cities.
Is That Browning on My Evergreen Winter Burn?
If you’re noticing:
Evergreens browning on one side
Foliage turning bronze or reddish
Needles drying out over winter
Trees looking worse in late February or March
…it’s likely winter burn. And the best way to prevent it is taking action before winter with a protective anti-desiccant treatment.
A simple fall application can make all the difference come spring. If you want to avoid browning, winter burn, and costly plant replacement, now is the time to schedule your anti-desiccant treatment.
Our team of experienced arborists and technicians can help! Contact us at 651-877-6676 or request your free quote today.
Keep your landscape protected and green all winter long.