What is an Anti Desiccant? Ever heard of it?

Like most people who aren’t in the tree or plant health care industry, you’re probably saying ‘No’, and that’s how you ended up here reading this guide. Anti Desiccant is a crucial component in plant care and landscaping. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or new to landscaping, understanding the role of anti desiccant is key to maintaining healthy and vibrant plants, especially in winter.

Anti Desiccants are more than just a product. They represent a vital practice in horticulture, particularly in regions with harsh weather conditions. By the end of this article, you’ll have a thorough understanding of how they work and why they are essential for your garden or landscape. As we explore the world of anti desiccants, we’ll cover various aspects, including their definition, necessity, application, and results. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and tools used in the successful application of them.

Let’s jump right in.

Let’s explore a little bit more on the common uses. Some of these include:

1. Winter Protection
2. Drought Tolerance
3. Transplant Success

Winter is one of the most critical times for using anti desiccants. This holds especially true for evergreens. Evergreens are plants that keep their leaves all winter long, hence the makeup of the name, ever and green! During the winter the leaves continue to lose water. The ground being frozen prevents them from replenishing this moisture. When treated, the rate of water loss is significantly reduced, preventing winter burn.

In drought-ridden areas, plants not only lose water to the air but, much like in winter areas, there is no moisture in the ground to absorb. You see the same effects. Drought can occur in hot areas, but it’s also common to see drought affect winter-prone areas as well. You are also more likely to treat plants in winter and snow-prone areas than in the desert, as the type of plants commonly treated with anti-desiccant are not found in the desert.

It is not as common in use as for winter and drought protection, but the treatment of plants that have been recently translated is another use for anti desiccant. Transplanting is the moving of a plant from one location to another. This can cause two problems.

1. The tree loses a significant amount of moisture in the process
2. The tree or plant no longer has its root structure. Root pruning is generally required to move a tree or larger plant from one area to the other crippling its ability in the newly planted location to absorb nutrients and water via its roots.

A few important details to consider are the timing, preparation, dosage/concentration, and the right way for application.

The effectiveness largely depends on the timing of the application. The best time for most plants is late fall or early winter, before the onset of freezing temperatures. This timing will keep plants protected throughout the whole winter.

Apply during drought as needed. Make sure the plant is hydrated before application.

Not only does the plant have to be well watered, but make sure they are healthy. The leaves should be dry and free from dust or debris. If applying to a newly transplanted tree or shrub, let it settle for a couple of days. Remember, the anti desiccant is a sealant, and anything on the leaves will prevent a proper seal. Water will also not be able to get in when already applied.

Depending on the product, there are various ways to apply. Most are applied with a sprayer. Even coverage is important. Spray the leaves until you see the product begin to drip off. Avoid applying during windy days or when temperatures are below freezing, as this can affect the efficacy of the anti desiccant.

Dosage and concentration are also important. Over-application can hinder the plant’s ability to breathe, while under-application will not provide sufficient protection.

Reapplication is also important. Rain and snow can degrade the desiccant over time. Application treatments should be scheduled every 4 to 6 weeks.

No, they are not suitable for ever plant species. Particularly those with very delicate or hairy leaves may be sensitive to these products. Test a small area on the plant before application if you are unsure of a plant’s reaction.

Reapplication should occur every 4 to 6 weeks during the season of need. However, the frequency of application depends on the product, environmental conditions, and type of plants being treated.

Yes, they can be used in most climates. They are most beneficial in extreme conditions with harsh winters or dry, hot summers.

Proper application can ensure that the plant can breathe. Anti desiccant is designed to create the water loss barrier while allowing the plants to continue their gas exchange process.

Of course! There are lots of organic options available. These products typically use natural ingredients and are a great choice for those looking for environmentally friendly alternatives. Anti desiccant is an important component in Plant Health Care. Check out our Plant Health Care post about the more holistic approach to treating trees and shrubs.

Most businesses in the industry will, of course, say ‘NO’. However, you can make your own at home. Commercial anti desiccants are specifically formulated for efficacy and safety. Homemade mixtures may not provide the same level of protection and could potentially harm the plants, so we recommend having a professional treat your property.

Here are some of the most important takeaways from this guide:

1. Anti Desiccant is crucial in PHC by reducing water loss of plants in extreme conditions.
2. The effective application depends on the season and the status of the plant.
3. It’s an environmentally sustainable approach to healthy landscaping.

The world of plant care is vast and full of opportunities for learning and growth. We’re here to support you every step of the way. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about this topic or any other. Our certified arborists would be happy to answer any questions.