Our Anti- Desiccant will add an extra layer of protection to reduce damage caused by winter burn. Dry winter winds cause moisture loss which can’t be replaced because plants are dormant, and the ground is frozen. It’s especially important for evergreen shrubs.

WHY SHOULD I USE AN ANTI-DESICCANT?

Anti-desiccants are most often used to protect broadleaf evergreens from winter desiccation. Some broadleaf evergreens, such as rhododendrons, boxwoods, andromeda, hollies, and laurels, are particularly susceptible to winter injury from desiccation.

All shrubs transpire (or give off water vapor) from their leaves during the summer but because evergreens hold onto their leaves (or needles) all year, they lose moisture during the winter too. Dry winter conditions, warm days when the ground is still frozen and chilly winds can all “pull” moisture from foliage, leaving broadleaf shrubs and trees vulnerable to excessive moisture loss.

Normally, plants can replace the moisture that transpires from their leaves by drawing water up through the roots. But when the ground is frozen, moisture isn’t accessible. The end result is that the evergreen leaves shrivel up, turn brown, and die. In severe cases, the entire shrub can die from desiccation.

WHAT PLANTS AND TREES BENEFIT FROM ANTI-DESICCANT APPLICATIONS?

• Broadleaf evergreens, such as azalea, boxwood, holly, rhododendron, and laurel

• Conifers, including arborvitae, cedar, cypress, juniper, and pine.