Dormancy

As we all know in these climes, trees and all plants go dormant starting in the fall. The leaves turn and fall off the deciduous trees and on the broad and narrow leaf evergreens what happens?
As the weather cools growth slows, evergreens due to their nature and small narrow leaves hold onto their foliage saving energy and providing less leaf area for desiccating winds. All trees will continue some metabolic function until frozen and the roots will continue to grow until the soil freezes.
A good practice on newly planted evergreens is to provide adequate supplemental watering in the fall and an application of an anti-desiccant to protect from winter drying. Tenting with burlap on smaller plants is a valid practice.
This winter, the snow will provide a level of insulation to the soil and plants, but be careful with the de-icing salts near the plants. Damage usually shows as the new growth comes in. If you over did the salt, try an application of gypsum on the soil.
Enjoy the season, tough I know. Winter days are special, when possible the quiet of the winter woods can be a tonic for the soul. Try putting out a bird feeder, you'll be surprised by the quanity and variety of birds you will attract. It sure helps these winter days pass.