Protect Your Landscape From Winter
Winter can wreak havoc on landscapes. While we can’t stop the cold, ice and snow, we can take steps to minimize the damage to your trees, shrubs and lawn and help them look their best come spring. Here are some of the most effective ways to protect your landscape through the fall and winter months.
Fertilize Your Lawn
Ideally, your lawn should be fertilized two to three times in the fall, starting in September. This will strengthen the root system for next year. When top growth ends, an all mineral fertilizer should be used to supply your lawn with the nutrients it needs during the winter months.
Deep Root Fertilize
This fall, consider a deep root fertilization program for your landscape trees and shrubs to deliver a customized, nutrientrich blend directly to the root system. In addition to providing nourishment, this treatment reduces soil compaction and allows oxygen to reach the root system, improving the overall health of your trees and shrubs.
Lock in Moisture with Antidesiccants
When extreme cold weather sets in and the ground freezes, broad-leaved evergreen plants struggle to gather the moisture they need. In order to survive, they have to tap into their stored moisture, leaving them more susceptible to damage from the elements. Natural polymer antidesiccants create a thin layer of protection over the leaf’s pores, locking in moisture.
Prepare Your Trees for Wind, Snow and Ice
High winds blowing against limbs that are already compromised due to heavy ice and snow create a dangerous situation. Professional pruning, cabling and bracing will minimize the risk of storm-related damage and preserve the structure and beauty of your trees.
Prevent Damage from Hungry Animals
When the temperatures drop and snow hits the ground, animals have limited options for food sources and begin snacking on plants and foliage. To protect trees from mice and rabbits, use a tree bark protector around the base of the trunks of your trees. For deer, treat plants and small trees with a repellent or try the DeerTech approach which uses a combination of ultrasonic frequencies, treatments and switching to keep deer away from your plants.
Once the snow has cleared, contact a professional to examine your trees, lawn and plantings to check for damage and, if necessary, craft a plan to bring your landscape back to life.
