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Winter burn evergreen shrubs #929728

Asked April 27, 2026, 7:36 AM EDT

Should I cut this back or will it turn green?

Olmsted County Minnesota

Expert Response

Hi Leslie, 

Thanks for reaching out! Most often, brown foliage is dead and will not green back up. I'd suggest pruning out the brown foliage back to the living tissue. Make sure to water your plant well this summer and provide some protection next winter. Here's an article with more advice: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/protecting-trees-and-shrubs-winter

Good luck! 

An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 27, 2026, 9:05 PM EDT

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