Skip Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’) is a popular evergreen shrub, valued for its dense, glossy, evergreen foliage. Often chosen for hedges and privacy screens, they provide a structured look. While generally robust, Skip Laurels can experience winter damage, particularly in climates with fluctuating temperatures or harsh conditions. This damage affects their appearance and health, a common concern for gardeners.
Recognizing Winter Damage
After winter, Skip Laurels may show several signs of damage. Leaves may brown, often starting at the tips or margins, giving a scorched appearance, or show reddish-brown discoloration. Leaves may also curl, yellow, or blacken. Branch dieback is another sign, with branches turning brown and brittle. These symptoms typically become noticeable in late winter or early spring as the plants emerge from dormancy.
Common Causes of Winter Damage
Several environmental factors contribute to winter damage in Skip Laurels. Winter desiccation, or winter burn, occurs when the plant loses more moisture through its leaves than its roots can absorb from frozen ground. Cold, dry winds intensify this by pulling moisture from foliage, leading to dehydration and tissue damage. This condition is particularly prevalent on the side of the plant exposed to strong winds or direct sun.
Extreme cold or frost burn can also cause direct tissue damage, as very low temperatures form ice crystals within plant cells, leading to cell rupture. Localized frost can harm specific areas. Frost heave, caused by repeated freezing and thawing, lifts plants out of the soil, exposing roots to cold air and drying winds. This can tear delicate root structures, compromising the plant’s ability to take up water.
Sunscald, often seen on the southern or southwestern sides of plants, occurs when strong winter sun warms plant tissues, causing them to break dormancy prematurely. If temperatures then drop rapidly, these awakened cells can be damaged or killed. This phenomenon is especially pronounced when sunlight reflects off snow, intensifying the sun’s rays on the foliage.
Preventing Future Damage
Proactive steps before winter can significantly reduce Skip Laurel damage. Deep watering in late fall, continuing until the ground freezes, saturates the soil and provides sufficient winter moisture.
Applying a protective layer of organic mulch (e.g., wood chips, pine needles) around the base insulates roots and retains soil moisture. A 2-4 inch layer of mulch can also moderate soil temperature, reducing the likelihood of frost heave. Consider the plant’s location and wind exposure; planting in sheltered areas or using windbreaks shields them from drying winds.
Anti-desiccant sprays create a protective film on leaves, reducing moisture loss. Apply these sprays in late fall when temperatures are above freezing but consistently below 50°F. For vulnerable or newly planted Skip Laurels, burlap wraps provide a physical barrier against harsh winds and intense sun. Avoid late-season fertilization, as it promotes tender new growth more susceptible to cold damage.
Caring for Damaged Skip Laurels
Patience is important for the recovery of winter-damaged Skip Laurels. Wait until new growth appears in spring to assess damage, allowing the plant to show which parts are truly dead or may recover.
Once new growth emerges, prune clearly dead or severely damaged branches. Cut back to healthy wood (identified by green tissue when scraped) or to a strong, outward-facing bud. This promotes new growth and improves the plant’s overall shape. Adequate watering during recovery, especially as temperatures rise, supports rehabilitation. Skip Laurels are resilient and often bounce back from winter stress, though full recovery may take an entire growing season.