There can be a considerable amount of winter damage even during a mild winter. Most of the damage is caused by dessication (a complete loss of moisture). Evergreen plants lose moisture through their foliage all year and this lost moisture is not replaced during winter because frozen soils lock up moisture. In addition, root systems that have been damaged by drought or disease also have limited ability to take up soil moisture. Newly installed plants may dessicate and die completely if their root systems have not been able to become established before the onset of winter.

To prevent winter damage an anti-desiccant spray is recommended. The application of the vapor guard anti-desiccant spray is applied in the late fall season to reduce foliar water loss and winter burn.