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Protecting Your Plants This Winter: A Guide to Keeping Your Garden Safe

Winter might seem like a time to relax and let your garden sleep, but the truth is, your plants still need a little extra care during these colder months. With frost, snow, and icy winds, it’s easy to forget that they need some protection to ensure they’re ready to thrive when spring rolls back around. Whether you have delicate perennials or hardy shrubs, there are some simple steps you can take to give your plants the winter care they deserve.

Why Winter Care Matters

You might be wondering, why bother if the plants seem to be in hibernation mode? Well, winter weather can do more damage than you might think. Freeze-thaw cycles (where temperatures fluctuate) can cause the ground to shift, damaging roots. Cold winds can dry out evergreen needles, and heavy snow or ice can break fragile branches. And let’s not forget about the little critters that love to nibble on your plants during the colder months.

A little prep now can help protect your investment in your garden, prevent future damage, and ensure your plants wake up healthy and ready for spring growth.

Mulch: Your Winter Blanket for Plants

Mulch is a winter warrior. By adding a layer of mulch around your plants, you’re giving them an extra layer of insulation. This helps keep the soil temperature stable, preventing the freeze-thaw cycles that can harm roots. It also keeps moisture in, which is especially important if we have a dry winter.

When applying mulch, aim for about 2-4 inches around the base of your plants. Just be sure to keep it away from the stems or trunks to avoid rot. Mulch is especially important for tender perennials, young plants, and newly planted shrubs, which are more vulnerable to the elements.

Protect Against Frost with Covers

Frost can be a sneaky culprit when it comes to plant damage. Even though the temperatures might seem mild, a sudden cold snap could freeze tender leaves and stems. To combat this, you can use frost cloths or burlap to cover more vulnerable plants during the coldest nights. These materials are breathable, so they won’t trap too much moisture and can easily be removed in the morning when the temperature rises.

For larger plants like shrubs or small trees, creating a “tent” with a few stakes and covering them with fabric can provide just the protection they need. Just remember to remove the covers during the day to let the plants breathe and get some sunlight.

Wrap Your Trees for Extra Protection

Young trees, especially those with thin bark, can be at risk during winter. The fluctuating temperatures can cause the bark to crack or split. Wrapping tree trunks with tree wrap or burlap is a simple way to protect them. Be sure to start the wrap just below the lowest branches and work your way up, ensuring the wrap is snug but not tight to allow for natural movement.

Don’t forget that evergreen trees, which hold their needles through the winter, need a little extra TLC, too. The wind can dry out their needles, causing browning. Some gardeners will tie the branches loosely with string or burlap to prevent wind damage and reduce moisture loss.

Be Mindful of Snow and Ice Buildup

Snow might look beautiful in your garden, but if it starts to pile up, it can cause damage to your plants. Heavy snow or ice accumulation can cause branches to snap or bend under the weight. Gently brush off the snow when you can, especially from the more delicate branches or bushes.

If ice has formed, try to avoid using sharp tools to remove it. Instead, use your hands or a broom to gently knock it off. This will help avoid injury to the plant. Also, remember to avoid salting near plants—while it works well to keep sidewalks clear, it can harm your plants and soil.

Protect from Animals

As much as we love our furry friends, winter can bring them closer to your plants in search of food. Deer, rabbits, and other animals might nibble on your shrubs, trees, and perennials. To protect your plants, try using animal repellents or wrapping your plants with protective netting or chicken wire. In more extreme cases, you can use plastic or mesh tree guards to protect tree trunks from gnawing animals.

Your Winter Landscape Starts Now

Winter might seem far off, but getting a jump on protecting your plants can save you headaches (and heartbreak) come springtime. If you need help getting your garden winter-ready, Vertical Landscaping is here to help! We offer expert landscaping advice and services to ensure your plants stay safe, healthy, and beautiful throughout the cold season.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get your landscape protected before the snow falls. Let us help you give your garden the winter care it needs to thrive all year long!

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