Winter Care Landscape Tips
In the Piedmont Triad, we never know what to expect during the winter. We may have snow, ice, spurts of warmth, too much precipitation, and even dry spells. Chances are we’ll have a mixed bag and while we’re warm by the hearth; our plants will have to weather the conditions.
Taking steps to winter-proof your landscape will help minimize potential damage and get the landscape ready for the spring season. Here are a few winter care tips to help protect your plants, trees, and shrubs from snow, ice, wind, and winter temperatures.
Mulch trees, plants, and shrubs
Mulch around trees, plants, and shrubs to add extra protection for winter. Mulching is an important control for erosion and loss of water. A two-inch layer of mulch will reduce water loss and help maintain uniform soil temperature around the roots which will protect the plant.
Keep plants well-hydrated
Evergreen plants continue to transpire or lose water through their leaves, even in the winter. If autumn rains have been insufficient, give plants a deep soaking that will supply water to the entire root system before the ground freezes.
Watering on warm days during the months of January, February, and March is beneficial.
Protect evergreens, plants, and trees
Small evergreens, shrubs, and trees can be protected by using windbreaks made of burlap or similar material. They’re made by attaching the material to a frame around the plant thereby reducing the force of the wind and shading the plants. A complete wrapping of burlap is sometimes used but avoid using black plastic.
Cut grass shorter
During the growing season, lawns should be cut to 3 inches to 3.5 inches, but the final lawn cutting should be 2 inches to 2.5 inches.
Watch out for winter warm spells.
Consider ventilating burlap-wrapped plants during the day and recovering them at night.
Use care when shoveling snow
Place posts with reflectors next to plants so they are well-marked, then snow won’t be shoveled on top of them. Consider clearing snow away from walks and driveways with a shovel or snow blower. Doing so will reduce the amount of de-icing products needed.
Remove broken limbs
If a limb breaks because of snow, ice, and wind, have it removed as soon as weather permits this will help the tree or shrub heal better as the warmer temperatures approach. Damaged trees are more prone to disease.
Never shake branches
Homeowners should gently brush off the snow. Shaking the limbs may break them. They should use their hands to scoop the snow away from plants to protect them from settling snow.
Prune most plants in winter
The late dormant season is best for most pruning in many regions. Pruning in late winter, before spring growth begins, leaves fresh wounds exposed for only a short amount of time before new growth begins.