While trees and shrubs survive the winter by going dormant, they are still vulnerable to damage caused by ice, snow and freezing winds. Whether your property has shade trees, ornamental shrubbery or evergreens, you’ll want to make sure they’re intact come spring thaw. Sherwood Gardens Landscape Design & Development, your leading source of high-quality patios and outdoor lighting, shares some of the ways that winter affects your greenery, plus what you can do to keep it safe.
Watering Is Essential
Woody plants and evergreens take damage when they are exposed to the drying effects of late winter sun and wind. These factors keep the soil hard and frozen, making it difficult for trees and plants to get the necessary moisture for survival. When left unattended, dehydrated greenery leads to browning or burning of foliage. For this reason, it pays to keep your evergreens and shrubs thoroughly watered during the fall. It’s especially important to water newly planted trees and shrubs, so keep doing it until the ground freezes.
Apply Anti-Desiccants
Aside from dehydration, winter burn can damage the trees and shrubbery around your home. You can protect broadleaf evergreens, like rhododendrons, laurel and pieris by spraying them with an anti-desiccant. By coating them with the protective, waxy film, you can head off the harmful drying effects of the sun and wind. Just make sure to check first with a premier landscaper, like Sherwood Gardens Landscape Design & Development, to determine if this an appropriate solution to your existing greenery.
Consider Wrapping Your Trees
Winter care for your greenery might also involve wrapping them in burlap. Younger trees are prone to frost cracks when the temperature goes from above to below freezing. This leads to vertical cracks along the weaker points of the tree bark. You can prevent this, however, by wrapping the younger trees around your home with the material.
Keep your trees and shrubs secure and intact for the coming spring by protecting them from the adverse effects of winter. And for the best landscaping services and features, choose Sherwood Gardens Landscape Design & Development. With more than 25 years of combined experience in the industry, we’ll make sure your dream yard turns into reality. We proudly serve homeowners in and around Oklahoma City, OK. Call us today at (405) 478-4600 or fill out this contact form to get a free consultation.