Evergreen Winter Burn: Why Your Shrubs Look “Dead” in February (and What Actually Helps)
By late winter, many homeowners across Pennsylvania and Ohio start asking the same question:
“Did my shrubs die?”
Boxwoods turn bronze, arborvitae fade to rust, and hollies look dry and dull. While it can be alarming, what you’re often seeing isn’t death, it’s winter burn, and it’s one of the most common cold-weather issues affecting evergreen landscapes in our region.
Here’s what winter burn actually is, why it happens, and what helps, both now and when spring arrives.
What Is Winter Burn?
Winter burn occurs when evergreen plants lose moisture faster than they can replace it.
Even in winter, evergreens continue to transpire (lose water through their needles and leaves). When the ground is frozen, roots can’t absorb moisture to keep up. Add cold winds, bright winter sun, and repeated freeze–thaw cycles, and foliage begins to dry out.
The result:
Browning needles or leaves
Discoloration on the wind-exposed side of shrubs
Dry, brittle foliage by late winter
Why Winter Burn Is So Common in PA & Ohio
Our winters create the perfect conditions for winter burn:
Cold temperatures followed by sunny days
Frozen soil that limits water uptake
Dry winter winds that pull moisture from foliage
Evergreens planted in exposed areas, near roads, driveways, open lawns, or south- and west-facing sides of homes, are especially vulnerable.
Shrubs Most Affected by Winter Burn
Some evergreens are more prone than others, including:
Arborvitae
Boxwoods
Hollies
Certain junipers and yews
These plants are popular in PA and OH landscapes, which is why winter burn is so widely seen by late February.
How to Tell Winter Burn from Permanent Damage
Winter burn can look severe, but that doesn’t mean the plant is lost.
Signs it’s likely winter burn:
Discoloration concentrated on outer growth
Browning on the side facing wind or sun
Interior branches still flexible and green beneath the surface
In many cases, plants recover once temperatures stabilize and spring growth begins.
What Not to Do in Late Winter
When shrubs look stressed, it’s tempting to act quickly, but timing matters.
Avoid:
Heavy pruning during deep winter
Cutting back shrubs while temperatures are still fluctuating
Overwatering frozen soil
Applying fertilizer too early
These steps can add stress rather than relieve it.
What Actually Helps Evergreen Recovery
Winter burn recovery is a spring process, not a winter fix.
What helps most:
Patience until consistent spring temperatures arrive
Proper pruning once new growth begins
Rehydration as soil thaws
Mulch refresh to stabilize soil moisture
Wind protection planning for future winters
In some cases, selective pruning or replacement may be recommended, but only after plants have had a chance to rebound naturally.
Why Late Winter Is the Right Time to Assess
February is the best time to observe, not overhaul.
Identifying which shrubs are stressed and why, helps guide spring maintenance decisions. It also prevents unnecessary removal of plants that simply need time and proper care to recover.
Plan for a Healthier Spring Landscape
Evergreen winter burn is common, but it doesn’t have to define your landscape.
A seasonal evaluation helps determine what will recover on its own, what needs attention, and how to protect your plantings moving forward.
Smart spring care starts with understanding what winter left behind.