How to Winterize Shrubs

Evergreen shrubs can withstand flurries, but heavy snow and other hazards of the upcoming season can wreak havoc on these workhorse yard plantings. - saboteamos.info landscape contractor Roger Cook shares these late-November prep tips to show you how to protect your shrubs in winter so they make it to spring damage-free.

Shrubs that were planted less than six months ago can get dried out by strong gusts. Shield them by hammering 1x stakes into the ground to make a frame, then wrap with burlap and staple the material to the stakes.

Wrap tall, narrow shrubs into a tight column with twine to keep branches from collecting heavy snow or ice and breaking off.

Shelter plants up against your home from falling icicles and snow melt with a simple, reusable A-frame structure that you can make from 2x4s and exterior-grade plywood.

Road deicer can dehydrate your bushes. Keep it off curbside greenery with a barrier made from 2x4 stakes and erosion-control fabric—the fine mesh won't let salt seep through.

Repeated freezing and thawing can uproot shrubs that are newly planted or establish roots slowly. Moderate the soil's temperature by adding a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch around the base of shrubs.