Getting Ready for Winter

As we approach winter, there are quite a few things you should do to protect your property and investment. Your trees, shrubs, lawn and perennials need help and the following are a few things that you should do. Perennials – cut them back now as the plants shut down and turn brown Remove leaves from the lawn and garden. Leaves left over winter can cause damage to your lawn and perennials. They harbor diseases, can cause fungus, it hides mice and, if left on the grass, will cause it to become brown. Bulbs – plant bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, hyacinth and crocus Mulch – apply a small amount of mulch around your perennials and shrubs to insulate them from the winter frost and help them retain moisture. Water – until the ground freezes, it is good to make sure that your plants and trees have enough moisture to help them through the winter. Thoroughly soaking them once a week is recommended. Weed – if you do weed now, it stops them from developing further and gives your beds a good start for the spring. Cover – in windy areas, you will want to cover your newly planted evergreens with burlap to prevent chilling winds from drying out and causing winter burn on your plants or you can spray them with an anti-desiccant (see below) Dormant oil – use this on deciduous trees to prevent spring insect damage Anti-desiccant – spray this on your trees and shrubs to help prevent water loss during the winter Glenn Koleda, our agronomics specialist, highly recommends the Anti-desiccant to help your trees and shrubs maintain moisture during the winter months. With the ground frozen and long dry periods that occur in winter, your plants will start to dry out and get winter burn. If this happens, you will notice that their needles and leaves will start to turn brown and die. Glenn applies anti-desiccant when the daytime temperatures consist of 3 days of 35 degree daytime temperatures. This is a good time to prune back your ornamental grasses. An easy way to do this is to use a bungee cord or duct tape, wrap the cord or tape around the grass about 8” up from the base. Truesdale’s Shrub & Bed program includes us coming out the beginning of November to cut back your perennials and get your beds ready for winter. If you do not have this service, give us a call. Doing a little preventative maintenance now can help ensure the health and beauty of your landscape. Email or call us today.