In the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs when the sun reaches its farthest point north of the equator. This year, the date for the official start of the winter season and the shortest day of the year is December 22. While the sun is making its journey northward, temperatures cool and the sunlight has far less intensity. As a result, the plants in your landscape require less water during the late fall and winter than they do in the summer because there is less evaporation. Also, most plants enter a dormant or semi-dormant state in the winter and do not actively grow. This does not mean, however, that they don’t need water. Water is essential to the survival of all plants, in every season of the year.

You never know what to expect from the winter weather in the southeast. One day, temperatures may be in the fifties and sixties. A week later, they might plummet into the twenties. If severe winter weather is predicted, there are some preventive measures you can take to protect the plants in your landscape. Surprisingly, water is one of nature's best forms of protection against the damaging effects of frost and severely cold temperatures. Lack of moisture combined with cold temperatures and harsh winter winds can cause the leaves on many evergreen plants to turn brown and dehydrate. How do you know when your plants are dehydrated? Early indicators may include leaf curl, leaves with a dull surface, or leaf drop. Seriously dry plants may exhibit extensive leaf yellowing or wilting. Very cold temperatures can cause leaf scorch, a condition that turns the leaf surfaces or edges brown and "crisp" looking. If any of these symptoms occur, water the soil around these plants as soon as possible. For best results, water the soil, not the leaves, when temperatures are in the high thirties or above. During the winter months, try to keep the soil consistently moist, but never soggy. If rainfall is scarce, water your plants well before a hard freeze occurs. This will get water to the roots before the ground freezes.

Most established plants in the Atlanta area can handle whatever Mother Nature dishes out. However, tender plants such as camellias and gardenias may need special care. Protect these plants with wind screens or cover them with a breathable fabric if blustery winter winds develop or temperatures drop below 20 degrees.

Mulching the planting areas during the winter months also benefits your plants. A two to three inch layer of mulch will provide a protective covering that insulates the soil and helps to conserve heat and moisture. Moist soil changes temperature more slowly than dry soil, helping to protect the root systems from shock. Dry, unprotected soil can lead to root damage.