As the colder months approach, your landscape might be the last thing on your mind. However, winter can be a challenging time for your plants, lawn, and hardscapes. By taking proactive steps now, you can ensure your yard remains healthy and vibrant throughout the season and is ready to burst into life once spring arrives. Here’s how you can make sure your winter landscaping is successful this year.
Protect Your Plants from Harsh Conditions
Before the first frost, it’s important to protect your plants from the frigid temperatures. Delicate plants can suffer from winter winds and frost, so be sure to cover them with burlap or protective cloth. This simple protection can help keep the warmth in and the cold out, ensuring they don’t suffer unnecessary damage. You can also use stakes or frames to keep the material from touching the plants directly.
Winter Mulching: Adding a layer of mulch around your trees, shrubs, and perennial plants is another great way to protect your garden from freezing temperatures. Mulch acts as an insulating layer, keeping the soil warm and preventing it from freezing too deeply. It also helps maintain moisture levels in the soil, which is important during the winter landscaping months when precipitation can be sparse.
Consider Winter-Resistant Plants
Winter landscaping doesn’t have to mean a barren yard. Consider planting winter-resistant plants that will thrive in cold temperatures and provide interest throughout the winter months. Evergreens, such as pines and spruces, are excellent choices because they retain their needles and keep your yard looking green when most other plants are dormant. Winterberry holly is another great option for adding color to your landscape with its bright red berries.
Additionally, ornamental grasses can add texture to your landscape while withstanding the cold. These hardy plants not only look beautiful but provide shelter for wildlife during the harsh months.
Prepare Your Lawn for Spring
Although your lawn may appear dormant during the winter, this is actually the time to give it some attention. A well-prepared lawn in the fall will reward you with a lush, green yard come spring. Be sure to mow your lawn one last time before winter sets in, keeping the grass at about two inches tall. This will prevent the grass from matting under heavy snow and reduce the risk of disease.
Fertilization: Fertilizing your lawn before winter helps ensure that it has the nutrients it needs to survive the colder months and emerge healthy in the spring. You can apply a slow-release, winterizing fertilizer to boost root growth, which is essential during the winter landscaping months when the grass isn’t growing actively above ground.
Winterize Your Irrigation System
Winterizing your irrigation system is crucial for preventing pipe damage when temperatures drop. Water left inside the pipes can freeze and cause them to crack or burst, leading to costly repairs in the spring. Be sure to drain your system thoroughly and blow out the lines with compressed air. This is an important step to protect your investment and prevent issues when it’s time to water your lawn again in the spring.
Maintain Your Hardscaping Features
Winter weather can be tough on your hardscaping features, such as patios, walkways, and retaining walls. Snow, ice, and moisture can cause cracks or erosion, especially if they are left untreated.
Clean and Inspect: Before the first snow falls, take the time to clean your hardscaping surfaces and inspect them for any damage. Power wash your patios and walkways to remove dirt, debris, and mildew that can lead to further damage when frozen. If you notice any cracks, seal them to prevent water from getting in and expanding during freezing temperatures.
Don’t Forget About Trees and Shrubs
In addition to covering your plants, be sure to protect your trees and shrubs. Deep-root watering in the fall can help your trees survive the winter months. This ensures that the roots have enough moisture to withstand the cold weather, even if there’s a lack of precipitation in the winter. Pruning your trees before the first frost will also help reduce the risk of broken branches during snowstorms or icy conditions.
Let Wojton’s Nursery Help You Prepare for Winter Landscaping
By taking these steps, you can make sure your landscape remains healthy and ready for the spring. Whether you’re protecting your plants, caring for your lawn, or maintaining your hardscapes, Wojton’s Nursery has everything you need to help you winterize your yard.
Contact us today for more tips on winter landscaping, or stop by our nursery to pick up the supplies you need. Let us help you keep your landscape thriving all year round.