It may be discouraging when you notice the cold winter temps cause your rhododendron leaves to curl and droop. Reduced transpiration is a result of this natural phenomenon. Transpiration is the process through which plants naturally shed water via the stomata or leaves to pull additional water from the roots. The greater the stomatal opening, the simpler it is for carbon dioxide to enter the leaf and promote photosynthesis. Nevertheless, this huge opening allows the leaf to lose considerable amounts of water, putting it in danger of dehydration or water-deficiency stress, especially during winter. Therefore, our Kingsport expert landscapers at Promier Landscapes share on the blog today tips on protecting your plants this winter so they can survive and thrive in the spring.
Leaf Vulnerability
Small holes on leaves known as stomates allow for the passage of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and oxygen inside and outside the leaf. The surface area of broadleaf evergreens is higher than that of needled trees, and the undersides of the leaves have more stomates than the tops. As a result, broadleaf evergreens are more susceptible to dryness. Curling serves to protect the stomates on the underside of the leaf and decreases surface area.
Plants can dry out at any time of the year, but most of the year, more water will prevent it. While soil moisture may be present in the winter, it could be frozen and unavailable. In addition, wintertime irrigation is more difficult. Our Johnson City landscaping pros can create a water-impermeable barrier to lower transpiration by covering the leaves with a thin, transparent film. Applications will cover the plant surfaces in a transparent layer that slows down transpiration. Depending on the weather, one application may last through the winter. If daytime temperatures rise above freezing in the middle of winter, it may be necessary to reapply.
Winter Conditions and Antitranspirants
Broadleaf evergreens have one of their most difficult seasons during the winter. The groundwater freezes for a significant portion of the season and keeps plants from accessing it. Plants that are exposed to cold, dry winds lose moisture that cannot be restored when it evaporates from the leaves or needles. Our Bristol landscape experts explain that antitranspirants can lessen transplant shock and can lower a plant’s water need under drought circumstances, as well as protect shrubs and trees against winter desiccation, windburn, sunscald, and salt air damage.
Winter burn on evergreen plants is more prone to occur under drought-like circumstances. Because they are already stressed by the drought, trees and shrubs are far more prone to sustain harm. For example, the fungus can establish a foothold and spread illness in winter-burned plants. Therefore, our landscape experts in Kingsport advise homeowners that it’s crucial to keep plants well-watered, not only in the summer but also in the fall. Plants that are properly hydrated will be able to survive the winter. The greatest time to use antitranspirants is in November before it’s too chilly, and they will last all winter.
Snow Damage
When the Tri-Cities area has a lot of snow, snow damage is a common issue. Think twice before planting close to the edge of the roof, where heavy snow may slip off and onto your plants. As an alternative, safeguard delicate plants by preventing snow accumulation or, in the worst circumstances, by using a structure to divert snow weight.
Removing or knocking snow off branches is preferable to letting it accumulate and get deeper over time, especially during small snowfalls in shadier areas where snow melts slowly. As long as the snowpack is not too dense that it collapses and breaks limbs, snow cover can function as insulation and prevent leaves from drying out.
Landscape Pros in Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol, Tennessee
The health and vitality of your landscaping elements are important to you and your home’s aesthetic. Although it can be challenging to fight natural outdoor elements, there are a few things you can do to protect your plants in winter. If you’re unsure where to begin, need help with the process, or prefer a hands-off option, please contact our experienced landscaping company in the Tri-Cities area, Promier Landscapes, at (423) 872-2988 or contact us online.