5 Ways to Protect Your Landscape in Winter

Winter can be a challenging time for maintaining a beautiful and healthy landscape. Frost, snow, and icy conditions can take a toll on your yard, damaging plants, trees, and hardscapes. With some thoughtful planning and proactive care, you can protect your landscape and ensure it thrives when spring returns. Here are five ways to safeguard your outdoor spaces this winter.

1. Prepare Your Plants for the Cold

Mulching

Mulching is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your plants from harsh winter conditions. A thick layer of mulch around the base of trees, shrubs, and flower beds acts as insulation, regulating soil temperature and moisture levels. Organic mulches, such as wood chips, straw, or shredded leaves, are ideal. They break down over time, enriching the soil with nutrients.

Pruning

Late fall is an excellent time to prune dead or weak branches from trees and shrubs. Removing these branches reduces the risk of breakage from heavy snow and ice. However, avoid heavy pruning of flowering shrubs, as it can impact their spring blooms.

Covering Plants

For delicate or young plants, consider using burlap or frost blankets to shield them from freezing temperatures. Structures like cold frames or cloches can provide additional protection for garden beds, ensuring tender plants survive the season.

2. Protect Your Lawn

A healthy lawn requires extra care before the winter freeze sets in. Begin by raking up leaves and other debris to prevent mold growth. Late-season fertilization is another key step to winter-proof your lawn. A fertilizer with high potassium content can strengthen grass roots, making them more resistant to freezing temperatures.

Aeration

Aerating your lawn in the fall improves soil drainage and allows oxygen and nutrients to penetrate deep into the root zone. This process ensures the grass has the resources it needs to survive winter dormancy.

Avoid Excess Traffic

Snow-covered grass is more vulnerable to damage from foot traffic or heavy objects. Establish designated walkways to prevent wear and tear on your lawn during the snowy months.

3. Protect Trees and Shrubs

Wrapping Trunks

Young or thin-barked trees, such as maples or fruit trees, are susceptible to winter sunscald and frost cracks. Wrap their trunks with tree guards or burlap to prevent this damage. Ensure the wrapping is loose enough to allow air circulation while still providing protection.

Watering

Although it may seem counterintuitive, watering trees and shrubs before the ground freezes is crucial. Well-hydrated plants are better equipped to withstand winter stresses. Focus on watering evergreens, as they lose moisture through their needles even in winter.

Installing Windbreaks

For landscapes in areas with strong winter winds, windbreaks can shield trees and shrubs from drying out. Simple structures made of burlap or wooden stakes can significantly reduce wind damage.

4. Safeguard Your Hardscapes

Prevent Cracking and Erosion

Winter can wreak havoc on hardscapes like patios, walkways, and driveways. Water seeping into small cracks can freeze and expand, causing the cracks to widen. Before winter, inspect your hardscapes and seal any cracks or gaps with weather-resistant filler.

Use the Right De-Icers

While de-icers help keep walkways safe, some can damage concrete, pavers, or nearby plants. Opt for plant-friendly, salt-free alternatives, such as calcium magnesium acetate, to minimize harm.

Regular Maintenance

Remove snow promptly from driveways and walkways to prevent ice buildup. Using a plastic shovel instead of a metal one can reduce the risk of scratching surfaces.

5. Plan for Wildlife Protection

Winter can be tough on wildlife, and they may turn to your landscape for food or shelter. While it’s important to support local wildlife, you’ll also want to prevent damage to your plants.

Installing Barriers

To deter deer, rabbits, and other animals from feasting on your trees and shrubs, install physical barriers like mesh fencing or tree wraps. Repellents can also be effective but may need reapplication after snow or rain.

Providing Bird Feeders

Encouraging birds to visit your yard can help maintain the ecosystem. Hang bird feeders filled with seeds or suet, and ensure they are placed in areas safe from predators. Birds can also help control pests in your landscape.

Cleaning Up

Before winter arrives, clean up any fallen fruits, nuts, or seeds that might attract unwanted animals. This reduces the likelihood of larger pests, such as raccoons, damaging your yard.

Bonus Tips for Winter Landscape Protection

• Monitor Snow Load: Heavy snow can weigh down tree branches, causing them to break. Gently shake off excess snow with a broom, taking care not to damage the branches.

• Test Soil Drainage: Poor drainage can lead to water pooling and freezing around plant roots. Improve drainage by amending soil with compost or installing French drains.

• Schedule Professional Help: If you have large trees or complex landscapes, consider hiring professionals for pruning, fertilizing, or snow removal.

Final Thoughts

Winterizing your landscape doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these steps, you can protect your lawn, plants, trees, and hardscapes from winter’s challenges. When spring arrives, your landscape will be ready to flourish once again.

At Fisk Lawnscapes, we specialize in residential and commercial landscape care, including winter preparation. Whether you need expert advice, professional pruning, or comprehensive snow removal services (commercial only), our team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your winter landscape maintenance and protect your outdoor spaces from the elements!