If you want your landscaping to look beautiful this spring, you need to start caring for your plants this winter. Proactive maintenance will prevent plant stress, along with common issues such as frost heave, physical damage, and dryness. Simply follow these tips.
Mulch for Insulation
You can create a thermal blanket for your plants with mulch. Mulch will help regulate the temperature of the soil, which keeps the roots from rapidly freezing and thawing. All you need is a 2- to 4-inch layer of organic material. This could be wood chips, shredded bark, or even chopped leaves. Keep the mulch a few inches back from tree trunks and plant stems to avoid rot.
Deep Hydration
Your soil holds heat better when it’s moist. Do a deep watering 24 to 48 hours before any hard freeze. Be sure to water adequately around newly planted shrubs and trees. They have the most vulnerable root systems. During extremely dry winters, water during the afternoon on days when the temperature is above 40°F.
Shielding and Protection
The harsh winter winds can strip moisture from your plants. This is a particular problem for many evergreens. Use burlap to make a windbreak. Simply stretch it between two stakes. This will block those cold and drying winds. For young trees, use a breathable burlap or a commercial tree wrap. This prevents sunscald and frost cracks. In addition, you can spray your evergreens in the late fall with an anti-desiccant spray.
Handle With Care When There Is Snow and Ice
Snow and ice can damage your plants by bending or snapping the branches. Brittle limbs can even shatter. Brush your plants with a broom to remove snow. Don’t shake the limbs. This can cause them to snap. Don’t try to remove the ice. Letting it thaw naturally is safer.
Care for Containers
Your potted plants are especially vulnerable during the winter season. Their roots are more susceptible to the cold. Moving your containers to a garage, shed, or your basement will keep them from freezing. If you have to leave them outside, place them close together. You can also wrap the pots with burlap or bubble wrap. Pot stands will keep them off the ground. This improves drainage and keeps them from freezing to the ground.
Pruning and Maintenance
Avoid fertilizers for a few weeks before the first frost. The cold air can easily freeze any new growth. Wait to prune trees and shrubs until late winter. It’s best to remove dead limbs and diseased wood before spring arrives.
These winter landscaping tips will prevent plant stress and leave you with the stunning gardens you’re dreaming of. You should also seek the help of a professional for best results. Call Gray’s Tree Service in Birmingham, AL today to learn more about plant healthcare.
