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Don’t Let Drought and Winter Weather Damage Your Landscape: Watering, Winter Protection, and Fall Care Tips

At Shannon Lawn & Landscaping in Stratford, CT, we’ve seen firsthand how unpredictable weather can affect landscapes in Fairfield and New Haven Counties. Last November’s drought was a prime example—despite the cool temperatures, many homeowners underestimated how much their plants still needed water. As a result, we saw significant damage to plantings, particularly Thuja (arborvitae) and Rhododendrons.

These losses can be heartbreaking—and costly to replace. That’s why this season, we’re urging homeowners to take proactive steps to protect their landscapes from both drought and harsh winter conditions.

Why Proper Watering in Fall Matters

Even as temperatures drop, your lawn, trees, and shrubs continue to rely on water. New plantings, especially, are vulnerable if they don’t establish strong root systems before the ground freezes. Without enough moisture:

• Evergreen plants dry out, turning brown or brittle
• Shrubs like rhododendrons suffer leaf scorch and dieback
• Lawns head into winter stressed, leading to thin, patchy grass in spring

Tip: Make sure your plants receive consistent water until the ground fully freezes. Deep watering encourages roots to grow down, helping plants survive winter drought conditions.

Protect Evergreens with Anti-Desiccant Spray

While watering is the foundation of plant health, it’s not always enough. Winter brings dry winds, fluctuating temperatures, and frozen soil—conditions that cause evergreens to release more moisture through their pores (stomata) than they can replace.

That’s where our Winter Anti-Desiccant Spray comes in. This is typically a one-time application which coats plant leaves with a protective seal, however it may need to be done more often for harsh/long winters.

Benefits of the treatment:

• Reduces excessive moisture loss
• Prevents winter burn and browning
• Keeps evergreens healthier and greener until spring

We highly recommend this service for Arborvitae, Boxwoods, Rhododendrons, and other broadleaf evergreens. It’s an affordable way to safeguard your investment against harsh Connecticut winters. Anti-desiccant sprays are designed to reduce water loss caused by wind and dry winter air by sealing the pores (stomata) on broadleaf evergreens. However, it’s important to note that they do not help plants that are already drought-stressed. Proper watering before the ground freezes is still the best way to protect plants from drought damage.

Add a Fall Clean Up and Cutback

Watering and winter sprays are critical, but don’t overlook seasonal maintenance. A fall clean up clears leaves from your turf and landscape beds, preventing:

• Mold and disease from decaying piles
• Insect infestations attracted to rotting material
• Interference with grass growth and overseeding

Pair your clean up with fall pruning and cutbacks. Trimming back perennials and shaping shrubs not only improves curb appeal but also:

• Prepares plants for healthier spring growth
• Prevents branches from snapping under snow and ice
• Reduces the risk of pests and disease overwintering in dead foliage

Take Action Now—Before Winter Sets In

Connecticut weather is unpredictable, but preparation makes all the difference. By watering consistently, protecting evergreens with a Winter Anti-Desiccation Spray, and scheduling a fall clean up and pruning, you can prevent costly plant loss and keep your landscape thriving year after year.

If your landscape shows damage from last year’s drought or harsh winter, it’s important to take action now. Dead growth should be professionally pruned out to encourage healthy regrowth. If trees or shrubs are severely damaged, our team can recommend and install replacements through our Landscape Design process to restore beauty and balance to your property. At Shannon Lawn & Landscaping, we’ve been protecting landscapes in Stratford and surrounding Fairfield & New Haven County towns for over 38 years. Don’t wait until damage is done—contact us today for a free estimate and let’s get your property ready for winter.