Does Landscaping Need Care During Winter?

When it comes to landscaping, many people believe that the only time you need to care for your plants and lawn is during the spring and summer. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth! In fact, winter is one of the most important times to care for your landscaping. 

From protecting your plants from the cold to preventing erosion, there are a number of reasons why you should take care of your landscaping during the winter months. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most important reasons why winter landscaping is so important.

What Type of Landscaping Needs Care During Winter?

It’s important to note that different types of landscaping will require different levels of care during winter. For example, if you have a garden with tender plants, you’ll need to take steps to protect them from the cold weather. This might include covering them with a tarp or moving them indoors. On the other hand, if you have a more hardy landscape, such as a rock garden, it won’t need as much special care during winter.

Here are some general tips for preparing your landscaping for winter:

• Clear away any fallen leaves or debris. This will help prevent mold and mildew from forming.
• Check your irrigation system to make sure it’s working properly. You may need to adjust it for the colder weather.
• If you have potted plants, be sure to bring them indoors or wrap them up so they don’t get too cold.
• Add some extra mulch to your garden beds to help insulate the soil and roots from the cold weather.

For more tips on preparing for winter, see out article, 12 Ways To Prepare For Winter.

How to Care for Your Landscaping During Winter

When the temperatures start to dip and the leaves begin to fall, it’s time to start thinking about how to care for your landscaping. Here are a few tips to keep your yard looking its best all season long:

Keep up with the leaves. Rake them up regularly so they don’t have a chance to compact and kill your grass.

Use salt sparingly. Too much salt can damage your plants, concrete, natural stone, and soil. Even better, consider safer alternatives to rock salt.

Keep an eye on your irrigation system. Make sure the pipes are well insulated and that there are no leaks or broken sprinklers.

Protect your plants. Wrap delicate shrubs and trees in burlap or netting to prevent damage from wind and snow.

With just a little bit of effort, you can keep your landscaping looking great all winter long!

Harsh, Mild, or In-Between?

Landscaping does need care during winter, but the type of care it needs depends on the climate you live in. 

If you live in an area with little or no snow, you’ll still need to water your plants regularly. 

If you live in an area with a lot of snow, you’ll need to make sure your landscaping is able to withstand the weight of the snow. You also need to shovel snow off of your sidewalks and driveway and choose your ice removal carefully.

Caring for Trees in Winter

There are a couple of things your trees need in the winter: Pruning and Protection.

Pruning should be done as needed throughout the winter to remove dead wood and keep your trees healthy. 

With evergreens, watering before the ground freezes helps prevent the roots from drying out and ensures that the tree has enough moisture to get through the winter. Mulching around the base of the tree helps to insulate the roots and keep them warm. Anti-transpirants might be used to help reduce water loss from the leaves. These compounds help prevent drought stress when the ground is frozen and water is limited.

Deciduous trees need to be protected from the cold. Mulch around the base of the tree and wrap the trunk in burlap or other protective material.

Protection is also important for young trees. Wrap them in burlap or put them in a tree nursery to protect them from the cold weather.

Whether it’s cold or hot outside, you want your outdoor space to look and feel it’s best. That’s where Landscape Solutions comes in. We’re passionate about creating outdoor spaces that fit your lifestyle. Contact us today to discuss your Nashville area landscape design, installation or maintenance needs.