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Winter winds can damage plants

Q. How does wind chill affect garden plants?

A. Wind chill is how cold the air feels outside. It is based on wind speed and the current temperature.

When it comes to our plants, plants respond to the actual ambient air temperature, rather than wind chill, which is how cold it feels to humans.

For example, if the wind chill temperature is 20 degrees, but the air temperature is 30 degrees, the plants respond to the 30 degree air temperature.

However, wind speeds that accompany colder weather can cause damage to your plants. During the colder months of winter, the air is already relatively dry, which often lessens the amount of moisture within the soil and stems of plants.

The combination of already dry air with a dehydrating wind can dry out stems and foliage and result in plant damage. This is especially true if the ground is frozen and roots cannot take up water to replace that which lost through the leaves.

To help lock in moisture and protect your plants for the cold, dry air during the winter season, add a thick layer of mulch around your plants.

You also can wrap plants, such as evergreens and rhododendrons with burlap. Also, make sure that you water your evergreens as winter approaches so they have a moisture reserve and do not become stressed out.

Q. Can I prune my yew hedges in winter?

A. Yews belong to the genus Taxus. These evergreen shrubs require little care, stay green year round, and are generally used as a long lasting hedge or as a foundation plant around the home.

Like many shrubs, winter is the dormant period for yews which means they are not actively growing. During this period, you can trim your hedges without the worry of removing new growth.

While most gardeners prune in early spring before the growing season, it doesn't hurt to lightly trim during the summer to encourage a fuller bush.

However, you may want to avoid fall trimming since harsh winter weather can damage new growth that appears during the fall.

• Provided by Mary Boldan. Master Gardener Answer Desk, Friendship Park Conservatory, Des Plaines, open 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday. Call (847) 298-3502 or email Cookcountymg.com@gmail.com.

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