Stayin’ Alive! Keeping Your Plants During Winter

It is no secret that there are plenty of predators out there to get your landscape. Anyone with a lawn has to worry about weeds invading and taking over healthy turf. Plant beds are also susceptible, as is any plant material to a pest infestation. Not only can flowers, trees, shrubs, and turf all take on pests, but there is also disease to be concerned with. However, we would like you to take a break from worrying about these potential problems, as it is the holiday season. We would like you to instead worry about the most pressing potential issue; the cold. Freezing temperatures and winds can kill off plant material if you are not careful. Luckily, we have written this blog to give you a few ways you can keep your plants alive this winter.

Pruning: Rid Plant of Disease

Oftentimes plants can take on disease due to the cold weather and wind weakening the plant. It can be particular bits of foliage that are affected, slowly spreading around the plant. The way to protect your plant is by pruning off the diseased material as quickly as possible, preventing the disease from spreading any further. Other unwanted foliage can also be removed to make room for new and healthy growth that will support and defend the plant long term. However, be aware of over-pruning, as motivating too much growth from your plant all at once can stress it out at the wrong time, and we are trying to keep your plants alive during the winter cold.

Mulching: Insulate Root Systems

Another service that can be performed by a professional, or frankly by yourself is mulching. Mulch is a universal landscaping material used by almost everyone. This is for good reason as mulch keeps weeds out of the plant bed, and prevents soil from eroding. Additionally, organic mulch decomposes over time into the exact nutrients your plant needs to flourish. Either way, the benefit we are concerned with is the insulation that mulch offers your roots. Putting a layer of mulch on top of the soil at a thickness of a couple of inches will keep heat trapped in the soil. If your roots are allowed to freeze over, your plants might be gone for good. 

Covering Plants Before Freeze

This tip requires you to be on top of your local weather. We are not advocating that you cover your plants year-round, just that when you feel a freeze on the way you cover your plants with burlap sacks, grow bags, wiring, bubble wrap, or buckets. There are a ton of ways to do this, and a quick google search will offer up a bunch of alternatives. In any case, this cover will protect the plant from the freezing wind, and keep it warmer than the outdoor temperatures.

Winter Watering: An Overlooked Essential

Our last tip for you today is simple. Sometimes a freeze can cause your plant to become dehydrated. This might not feel like the case because of how cold it is outside or how much snow is on the ground, but trust us your plant is not getting as much water as you think. Make sure after the freeze or snowstorm has subsided, you get your plants some water. They will thank you in the long run. 

Our work has always been a reflection of our clients, both commercial and industrial. Like you, we take pride in your property and our TOP PRIORITY is to provide the most reliable resources, knowledge, and service to achieve and retain a superior and sustainable landscape. Give us a call at (708) 946-6121 or email us at [email protected] today to get help keeping your plants during winter.