A fresh blanket of snow makes for a beautiful landscape, and we’ve seen our fair share lately with potentially more on the way. While you’re busy shoveling paths and salting slippery sidewalks, make sure to add tree and plant care to your list of winter weather tasks. Trees and plants can suffer during severe weather conditions, but the following tips can help protect them until spring arrives.
The first step to winter-proofing your landscaping is to be intentional about where your plants and trees are located. Melting snow can oversaturate your plants if they’re in a location without proper drainage. Adequate sunlight is also an important consideration even in the cold winter months.
A dusting of snow is not much concern for your trees and plants, but snow accumulation can cause severe damage or even kill your landscaping. The main danger comes from heavy accumulation breaking, smashing, or snapping plants and tree limbs. Before snow is in the forecast, make sure to trim and prune your trees, shrubs, and plants to prevent breakage. After the snow passes, brushing the snow off the branches can help with snow dangers.
If heavy snow is in the forecast, consider covering your plants for added insulation and protection. Below are several inexpensive, DIY options for protecting your plants. *Important to remove them once the danger has passed. A lot of the techniques works well for late frost protection or cold snap as we get closer to spring.
Plastic bags are an option that nearly everyone has on hand. They work great for protecting smaller plants from breaking or getting too cold.
Plastic milk jugs or soda bottles are easy to alter by simply cutting the bottoms off and placing them over individual plants.
Clear plastic storage bins are great for covering multiple plants while letting light in. You can also use solid storage bins as a short-term or overnight solution.
Drop cloths or lightweight blankets are a simple solution to protect plants from extreme temperatures. You may need to switch to a sturdier solution if the cold weather is accompanied by snow accumulation.
When using these protection methods, it’s important to remove them as soon as the danger has passed. You can also use these same techniques to protect your landscaping if we have a late frost or cold snap as we get closer to spring.
By being proactive, your plants and trees can make it through the snowy winter months and thrive for years to come. Remember, we’re so confident in our trees, shrubs, and plants that we offer a one-year guarantee as long as we install them for you. As always, the Shreckhise Shrubbery team will always be there to help with whatever questions or landscaping needs you might have!
Let’s Get Growing,