December in Virginia can feel like a weather rollercoaster, with temperatures jumping from freezing to warm and back again in just a few days.
While we humans can throw on a coat or turn up the heat, evergreen trees and shrubs have to tough it out through these wild swings.
These sudden changes can damage their needles, dry out their roots, and even weaken their ability to survive the winter, leaving your landscape looking brown and stressed.
Water Deeply Before The Ground Freezes
Evergreens lose water through their needles all winter long, even when the Virginia ground is frozen solid.
When roots can’t pull moisture from icy soil, the needles dry out and turn brown.
Giving your evergreens a good, deep watering before the first hard freeze helps them store up the moisture they’ll need to survive.
Focus on soaking the soil around the drip line, which is the area directly under the outer edge of the branches.
Water slowly so it sinks deep into the root zone rather than running off the surface.
You want the soil moist down to at least 12 inches.
Do this whenever the temperature is above freezing and the ground isn’t already soaked from rain.
Even in December, if you get a warm day and the soil is dry, give your evergreens a drink.
Hydrated roots mean healthier needles and stronger plants that can handle temperature swings better.
Don’t forget newly planted evergreens—they need extra water since their roots haven’t spread out yet.
Apply A Thick Layer Of Mulch Around The Base
Mulch acts like a cozy blanket for your evergreen’s roots, keeping soil temperatures more stable when the weather can’t make up its mind.
A good layer of organic mulch—like shredded bark, wood chips, or pine needles—helps insulate the ground from sudden freezes and thaws.
Roots stay protected, and the soil holds onto moisture longer.
Spread mulch in a circle around the base of the tree or shrub, going out to the drip line if possible.
Make the layer about 3 to 4 inches thick, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk itself.
Piling mulch against the bark can trap moisture and invite rot or pests.
Mulch also breaks down slowly over time, adding nutrients back into the soil.
It reduces competition from weeds and keeps the ground from drying out too quickly during those random Virginia warm spells.
If you haven’t mulched yet this fall, it’s not too late—December is still a great time to add that protective layer.
Shield Them With Burlap Windbreaks
Cold, dry winds can be brutal on evergreens, especially during temperature swings when the air is harsh one day and mild the next.
Wind pulls moisture right out of the needles faster than the roots can replace it, leading to winter burn.
Burlap windbreaks create a simple but effective shield that blocks the worst of the gusts without smothering the plant.
You can wrap individual shrubs loosely in burlap or build a barrier by driving stakes into the ground and stapling burlap to them on the windward side.
Make sure the fabric doesn’t press tightly against the branches—air should still circulate.
The goal is to break the wind, not seal the plant in.
Burlap is breathable, affordable, and easy to remove in spring.
It’s especially helpful for evergreens planted in exposed spots, like along driveways or at the corners of your yard.
If you live in an area with strong winter winds, this simple step can make a huge difference in keeping your evergreens green and healthy through the Virginia season.
Use Anti-Desiccant Spray On Needles
Anti-desiccant sprays are like a protective coating for evergreen needles, helping them hold onto moisture during dry, windy, or wildly fluctuating weather.
When you spray it on, it forms a thin, waxy film over the foliage that slows down water loss.
This is especially useful when roots are stuck in frozen soil and can’t deliver water to the needles fast enough.
Apply the spray on a mild day when temperatures are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit and no rain is expected for at least 24 hours.
Cover all the needles evenly, but don’t drench them—a light, even coat is all you need.
Depending on the product, you might need to reapply every few weeks throughout winter.
Anti-desiccants work best on broadleaf evergreens like boxwoods, hollies, and rhododendrons, but they also help needle evergreens like pines and spruces.
You can find these sprays at most Virginia garden centers.
They’re a small investment that can prevent a lot of winter damage and keep your plants looking vibrant through the toughest weather.
Avoid Pruning In Late Fall Or Winter
It might be tempting to tidy up your evergreens when you have a warm December afternoon, but pruning during this time can actually do more harm than good.
Cutting branches encourages new growth, and any tender shoots that sprout won’t have time to harden off before the next freeze hits.
That fresh growth is extremely vulnerable to cold damage.
Pruning also creates open wounds on the plant, which can dry out or become entry points for diseases and pests.
During temperature swings, these wounds struggle to heal properly because the plant’s natural defenses are slowed down by the cold.
It’s better to wait until late winter or early spring when the risk of severe cold has passed.
If you absolutely must remove broken or damaged branches, do it carefully and sparingly.
Otherwise, put the pruning shears away until February or March.
Your evergreens will thank you by staying healthier and stronger through the unpredictable winter weather.
Patience now means better growth and fewer problems later on.
Protect Roots With Proper Drainage
Evergreens hate having wet feet, especially during freeze-thaw cycles.
When water sits around the roots and then freezes, it can damage root tissues and suffocate the plant.
Poor drainage combined with temperature swings creates a perfect storm for root rot and other problems that weaken or destroy evergreens over time.
Check the area around your evergreens after a heavy rain.
If water pools or the soil stays soggy for more than a day, you’ve got a drainage issue.
You can improve drainage by adding organic matter like compost to clay-heavy soil, or by creating a slight slope so water runs away from the root zone.
For evergreens planted in low spots, consider building up the soil into a raised bed or mound.
This lifts the roots above the waterline and gives them better access to oxygen.
Good drainage is one of those behind-the-scenes factors that makes a huge difference in plant health.
Fix it now, and your Virginia evergreens will handle winter’s ups and downs with much less stress and damage.
Move Potted Evergreens To Sheltered Spots
Evergreens growing in containers are way more exposed to temperature swings than those planted in the ground.
Roots in pots can freeze solid much faster, and they thaw just as quickly when the sun comes out or the temperature spikes.
This constant back-and-forth stresses the plant and can destroy the roots entirely.
Move your potted evergreens to a more sheltered location for winter—against the house, under an eave, or even into an unheated garage or shed.
These spots offer protection from wind and help moderate temperature changes.
If you can’t move them, group pots together and wrap them in bubble wrap or burlap for extra insulation.
You can also sink the pots into the ground up to the rim, which uses the earth’s natural insulation to protect the roots.
Just make sure the pots have drainage holes so water doesn’t collect and freeze inside.
Virginia potted evergreens still need occasional watering in winter, especially during warm spells, so don’t forget about them completely.
A little extra care keeps them alive and ready to thrive come spring.
Keep Sidewalk Salt Away From Evergreens
Rock salt might keep your walkways safe, but it’s terrible for evergreens in Virginia.
When salt spray or runoff reaches the roots or foliage, it pulls moisture out of plant tissues and causes brown, burned-looking needles.
Salt also builds up in the soil, making it harder for roots to absorb water and nutrients.
Over time, this can seriously weaken or even destroy your plants.
If your evergreens are near driveways, sidewalks, or roads where salt is used, try switching to a plant-friendly ice melt product.
Look for options made with calcium magnesium acetate or other less harmful ingredients.
They cost a bit more but are much safer for your landscape.
You can also create a physical barrier by placing burlap screens between the sidewalk and your evergreens to block salt spray.
After a big snow or ice event, rinse the foliage and soil around your plants with fresh water on a day when temperatures are above freezing.
This helps wash away salt before it does too much damage and keeps your evergreens healthier through the winter months.
Monitor For Pest And Disease Issues
Temperature swings can stress evergreens and make them more vulnerable to pests and diseases that usually wouldn’t be a big problem.
Weakened plants have a harder time fighting off attackers like spider mites, scale insects, or fungal infections.
December might seem like an odd time to think about pests, but staying alert can prevent small issues from becoming big disasters.
Take a walk around your evergreens every couple of weeks and look closely at the needles and branches.
Check for discoloration, sticky residue, webbing, or tiny insects.
Some pests, like spider mites, actually thrive in dry winter conditions and can cause serious damage if left unchecked.
If you spot a problem, treat it right away with the appropriate spray or removal method.
Sometimes just washing off pests with a strong stream of water on a mild day is enough.
Catching issues early means less damage and healthier plants.
Stressed evergreens need extra attention, and a little vigilance now can save you a lot of heartache and money down the road when spring arrives in Virginia.
Provide Extra Support For Heavy Snow
Virginia’s December weather doesn’t just swing temperatures—it can also dump surprise snowfalls on evergreens that aren’t quite ready.
Heavy, wet snow piles up on branches and can snap them, especially when the plant is already stressed from temperature changes.
Broken branches not only look bad, but they also create open wounds that invite disease and pests.
Before a big snow, gently tie up multi-stemmed evergreens like arborvitae with soft twine or plant tape.
This keeps the branches closer together so snow slides off more easily instead of weighing them down.
Don’t tie them too tightly—you just want to give a little support, not squeeze the life out of them.
After a snowfall, carefully brush off heavy snow with a broom, working from the bottom up.
Never shake the branches or try to knock off ice, which can cause more damage.
If branches do break, prune them cleanly and neatly as soon as possible.
A little proactive care during snowy weather can prevent a lot of damage and keep your evergreens looking their best all winter long.
Choose Hardy Varieties For Future Plantings
If your current evergreens are struggling with Virginia’s unpredictable December weather, it might be time to think about planting hardier varieties in the future.
Some evergreens are naturally more tolerant of temperature swings, wind, and winter stress.
Choosing the right plant for your climate and location can save you a lot of work and worry down the road.
Look for evergreens that are rated for USDA hardiness zones 6 or 7, which cover most of Virginia.
Native species like Eastern red cedar and American holly are especially tough because they’ve adapted to local conditions over thousands of years.
They handle temperature fluctuations better and need less babying than non-native varieties.
When shopping for new evergreens, ask your local nursery staff for recommendations based on your specific yard conditions—sun exposure, soil type, and wind patterns all matter.
Plant them in spring or early fall so they have time to establish strong roots before winter hits.
Investing in the right plants from the start means less stress for you and healthier, more resilient evergreens that can laugh off whatever crazy weather December throws their way.