many landscapes now rely on cli- mate-suited plants. Still, Ware point- ed out that for small to medium-sized shrubs — especially in windy sites — these products can be invaluable. “It’s great at reducing windburn,” he said. “That’s where these products shine.”
• Spraying too early. If applied before late fall, the coating may break down before cold weather arrives. • Applying in the wrong weather. Rain or freezing temperatures during application will reduce effectiveness. • Partial coverage. Missed areas leave plants exposed to frost and windburn. • Using on the wrong plants. Avoid applying to waxy-needled evergreens like blue spruce or to very young plants. • Skipping reapplications. A single treatment rarely lasts the entire winter. • Overlooking plant selection. Relying only on anti-desiccants instead of choosing climate-appropriate species can lead to recurring damage. Common Mistakes to Avoid with Anti-Desiccants
GIVE YOUR PLANTS A FIGHTING CHANCE
Winter can feel like an endurance test for plants. The nights stretch longer, the winds pick up, and moisture escapes into the dry air. Without protection, broadleaf evergreens and fruit trees can emerge in spring scarred or lifeless. Anti-desiccants provide a subtle but powerful edge — a transparent shield that keeps moisture locked in and foli- age resilient. Paired with wise plant choices and careful timing, they give shrubs, evergreens, and fruit trees a better chance to emerge from winter not just alive — but thriving.
over the orchard. The best time to apply, he noted, is just before frost is expected. BEYOND PRODUCTS: SMART PLANTING CHOICES While anti-desiccants are a powerful tool, they are not a cure-all. Ware stressed that the most reliable defense starts long be-
fore winter — with plant selection.
“The best way to prevent winter inju- ry and frost damage is to plant species that are adapted to the area you’re in,” he said. Anti-desiccant use has declined over the last two decades, partly because
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