🌿 7 Ways Winter Can Damage Your Plants — And How to Protect Them in Illinois
- omarlawn2020
- Dec 12, 2025
- 2 min read
Winter in the western suburbs and Chicago can be unpredictable. One week it’s mild, the next it’s subzero with icy winds off Lake Michigan. For gardeners and property owners, these swings can be tough on plants. The good news? With the right strategies, you can protect your landscape and help it thrive come spring.
1. Extreme Cold
When temperatures plunge below 28°F, plant tissues can freeze. Roots often survive deeper in the soil, but sudden cold snaps can kill even hardy perennials.Protective tip: Avoid late-season pruning, planting, or fertilizing. Give plants time to harden off before winter arrives.
2. Temperature Fluctuations
Illinois winters often bring freeze-thaw cycles. Soil heaving can push roots out of the ground, while bark splits (“frost cracks”) can weaken trees. Protective tip: Apply mulch around roots and wrap thin-barked trees to buffer against sudden changes.
3. Wind Damage
Dry winter winds dehydrate evergreens, leaving brown tips and burned foliage. Protective tip: Use burlap screens to shield plants from prevailing winds and water during mid-winter thaws.
4. Drought Stress
Even dormant plants need moisture. Frozen soil prevents roots from absorbing water, leading to winter burn. Protective tip: Water deeply before the ground freezes, and during warm spells when the soil is workable.
5. Winter Wetness
Snowmelt and soggy soil can suffocate roots or cause crown rot. Protective tip: Plant in raised beds or well-drained areas. Pull mulch back from crowns in very wet winters.
6. Salt Damage
De-icing salt from roads and sidewalks can burn foliage and disrupt soil chemistry. Protective tip: Use sand or eco-friendly de-icers, and rinse salt-affected plants with fresh water in spring.
7. Snow & Ice Damage
Heavy snow or ice can bend and break branches. Protective tip: Gently brush snow off branches, but never shake frozen limbs. Let ice melt naturally.
Chicago in Winter
Winter doesn’t have to mean plant loss. With smart, eco-friendly strategies, you can protect your landscape, save money, and enjoy a healthier garden in spring.
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