8 Ways Anti-transpirant Sprays Will Help Your Evergreen Plants

After deciduous trees drop their leaves these types of trees draw a very minimal amount of water from the soil. It is the wind blowing across the leaves, after all, that starts the process of transpiration in deciduous trees.

Evergreens, however, keep their foliage all winter long. So, transpiration (the drawing of water from the roots, up through the plant, and out of the leaves) occurs all winter with evergreen plants. The problem occurs when the ground is frozen and the roots can’t absorb any water from the soil. It’s under these circumstances where we see occurrences of winter desiccation, or winter burn, on evergreen plants.

This is where anti-transpirant sprays benefit your evergreen plants. This treatment applies a coating on the leaves to slow down the transpiration process on evergreen plants.

Here are 8 ways an anti-transpirant spray can benefit your evergreen plants:

1. Reduction of Water Loss:

Anti-transpirant sprays create a protective film on the surface of leaves, which helps reduce water loss through transpiration. This is particularly beneficial in the winter when the ground is frozen. Anti-transpirant sprays can also be used if plants are subjected to hot, dry, or windy conditions where water loss can lead to stress and dehydration in plants.

2. Improved Drought Resistance:

By minimizing water loss, these sprays can enhance a plant's ability to withstand drought conditions. This is crucial for maintaining health during periods of frozen ground, insufficient rainfall or when irrigation is not possible.

3. Protection During Transplanting:

When trees and shrubs are transplanted, they can experience shock and stress due to root disturbance and loss of moisture. Applying an anti-transpirant can help reduce transpiration and protect the plants from excessive water loss while they establish in their new location.

4. Enhanced Leaf Retention:

Anti-transpirants can help prolong the lifespan of leaves by reducing stress from environmental factors. This can be especially important in maintaining foliage quality during times of environmental stress.

5. Improved Growth and Establishment:

For newly planted trees and shrubs, anti-transpirants can facilitate better establishment, leading to healthier growth. By reducing moisture loss, plants can increase their root development and acclimate more effectively to their surroundings.

6. Mitigation of Environmental Stress:

Trees and shrubs often face stress from extreme temperatures, frozen soil, and wind. Anti-transpirants help to moderate these stresses, thereby protecting the plant's overall health.

7. Seasonal Use:

Anti-transpirants can be particularly valuable during specific seasons, such as late summer or early fall, when trees may experience stress due to heat or during the winter months.

8. Improved Aesthetics:

Trees and shrubs that are less stressed may exhibit healthier and more vibrant foliage, improving the overall aesthetic appeal of a landscape. Broadleaf evergreens, like rhododendron plants, display pleasing, shiny leaves after an anti-transpirant spray is applied.

Important Considerations:

An anti-transpirant spray is not a substitute for proper watering and care. It’s a good practice to give your evergreen plants a final watering before putting the garden hose away for the winter. This helps to assure there is adequate soil moisture to help the plants get through a harsh Michigan winter.

Anti-transpirant sprays can play a vital role in helping trees and shrubs manage water loss, improve drought resistance, facilitate growth, and withstand environmental stressors. Proper use can contribute significantly to the health and longevity of these plants.