When the chill of winter settles in and snow blankets the ground, landscaping may not be the first thing on your mind. However, the colder months offer unique opportunities to enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor spaces. With careful planning and strategic choices, you can transform your yard into a winter wonderland that continues to impress all year long.
During the winter months, plants and trees are at rest and their bright colors disappear, resulting in a desolate and drab scene. This is especially true in areas that experience snow and ice, which can wreak havoc on your lawn. This guide will help you with protecting your plants and trees from ice, snow, wind, salt, and other complex landscaping needs for this winter.
Prepping Your Lawn For Winter
During the growing season, your lawn should be cut between 3 to 3.5 inches. However, for the final mowing of the season, your lawn should be cut to 2 to 2.5 inches to protect new growth and prevent your lawn from attracting pests.
Rake leaves and remove other debris, which can stunt the growth of new grass or even kill it.
Tie tree branches together that may accumulate snow loads and remove snow from trees as necessary by gently brushing the snow rather than shaking the limbs. In addition, remove any branches that may break due to snow or ice since damaged trees are more susceptible to disease.
Aerate and fertilize your lawn before the first freeze so it can feed on the nutrients immediately after the weather begins to warm.
For extra protection for shrubs and bushes against the winter, spread a 2-inch layer of mulch to manage erosion, reduce water loss, and help maintain constant soil temperature.
Lay wire mesh at the base of trees to protect against animals.
Apply anti-transpirants to plants and trees to help protect against water loss or use burlap wrapping, especially for evergreens, to protect from harsh winds and salt spray. To minimize damage from salt, flush out the soil with water.
A Guide for Winter Planting
Whether you’ve been in your home for many years or you are getting your home ready for sale to move the following tips are great start:
Evergreens, conifer trees, and red osier dogwoods are a common feature of winter landscapes. When deciding what trees or plants will add the most visual interest to your winter landscape, it is important to consider height, because no matter the appearance, any plant that lacks considerable height will become buried under snow. With this in mind, here a few of the best trees and plants for the winter:
Evergreen holly produces foliage year-round and bright berries that attract a variety of species of birds. Many evergreen hollies will not stand up to the harsh winter climate, except the China holly, a rounded 8 feet high by 8 feet wide holly that it is also tolerant to drought, and the compact inkberry holly, a 4 feet high by 8 feet wide holly with blackberries and dark green foliage that resembles a boxwood shrub.
Red osier dogwood is a hardy plant with bark that ranges from red to burgundy. With a height of 6 to 10 feet and a width of 5 to 10 feet, a red osier dogwood contrasted against white snow makes for an iconic winter scene.
One of your complex landscaping needs may be choosing a perennial grass, an important feature of any winter landscape. Plume grass is a hardy ornamental grass which can grow to be as tall as 11 feet and 4 feet wide.
Bayberry is a glossy, aromatic shrub with waxy, gray berries. These berries attract birds, repel deer, and are commonly used to scent candles.
There are many varieties of birch trees that imbue your yard with winter intrigue, mostly due to their bark, such as the young’s weeping birch, the paper birch, and the yellow birch.
Dwarf Conifers: These small trees are perfect for adding structure to gardens without overwhelming the space.
When planting a variety of vegetation, know that deciduous and conifer trees must be planted at least 20 feet apart with at least 30 feet between rows. Shrubs and trees should be planted four to six feet apart with 10 to 12 feet in between rows.
Plan for Four-Season Appeal One of the keys to effective winter landscaping is designing your outdoor space to look beautiful in every season. While spring and summer bring vibrant flowers and lush greenery, winter landscapes can shine with a focus on structure, texture, and color.
Elements to Incorporate:
Evergreens : These plants maintain their foliage throughout the year and provide a vibrant contrast to snowy surroundings. Consider species like spruce, pine, and holly.Deciduous Trees with Interesting Bark : Trees such as birches or paperbark maples feature striking bark textures and colors that stand out in winter.Ornamental Grasses : These add texture and movement, especially when topped with a layer of frost or snow.Hardscaping : Stone paths, arbors, and sculptures create visual interest even when plants are dormant.Lighting : Strategically placed outdoor lights can highlight focal points, illuminate pathways, and create a cozy ambiance.
Create Focal Points Winter landscapes can sometimes feel barren, but incorporating strong focal points can elevate your yard’s appeal. Think beyond plants and explore other design elements.
Ideas:
Outdoor Fireplaces or Fire Pits : These not only serve as gathering spots but also add warmth and light.Water Features : Frozen fountains or ponds can be enchanting, while heated water features provide year-round movement.Garden Art : Statues, large pots, and wind sculptures stand out beautifully against snow.Decorative Mulch : Use bark or gravel to add texture and define garden beds.
Consider Wildlife Winter can be tough for local wildlife, and your landscaping choices can provide much-needed shelter and food.
Tips:
Bird Feeders : Install feeders to attract colorful winter birds like cardinals and chickadees.Shelters : Create brush piles or place birdhouses for shelter.Native Plants : Incorporate species that produce seeds, nuts, or berries that local animals can rely on during the colder months.
Maintain Your Winter Landscape
Landscaping doesn’t stop just because it’s cold outside. Proper maintenance ensures that your outdoor space remains attractive and healthy.
Winter Maintenance Tips:
Snow Removal : Keep pathways clear of snow and ice to prevent damage to hardscaping and ensure safety.Pruning : Prune dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs to reduce the risk of breakage under snow weight.Mulching : Add a layer of mulch to protect plant roots from temperature fluctuations.Inspect Hardscaping : Check for cracks or damage in pathways, patios, and walls caused by freezing and thawing.Watering : On warmer days, provide water to evergreens to prevent dehydration.
Incorporate Seasonal Decor Winter landscaping is a perfect canvas for festive decorations that celebrate the season. Temporary additions can transform your yard into a magical retreat.
Decoration Ideas:
Wreaths and Garlands : Use natural materials like pinecones, evergreen boughs, and berries.Outdoor Lights : String lights along trees, shrubs, and fences for a warm glow.Planters : Fill pots with evergreen branches, birch logs, and decorative ornaments.Ice Lanterns : Create frozen luminaries for a unique and elegant touch.
Plan Ahead for Spring Winter is also an excellent time to prepare for the coming seasons. Use the downtime to evaluate your landscape and plan any changes or improvements.
Tips for Preparation:
Plant Bulbs : If the ground hasn’t frozen yet, plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips and daffodils.Soil Testing : Test your soil’s pH and nutrient levels to determine what amendments may be needed.Order Seeds : Research and order seeds for spring planting.Design Updates : Sketch new garden layouts or hardscaping features you want to implement.
Plants To Avoid
While these plants and trees are recommended for the winter months, there are also many you want to avoid due to their invasiveness, such as Japanese barberry shrubs and winged euonymus shrubs.
A plant is optimal for winter if it has one or many of the following characteristics:
Dark bark or unusual texture and branch pattern
Has evergreen foliage
Colorful berries
Delicate structure
Able to catch snow in its branches
Your Complex Landscaping Needs
Winter landscaping may require a shift in focus, but it’s a rewarding opportunity to celebrate the beauty of the season. By incorporating evergreens, interesting textures, and thoughtful design elements, you can create an outdoor space that remains inviting even during the coldest months. With proper maintenance, a touch of creativity, and a focus on sustainability, your winter landscape can provide enjoyment and inspiration year-round.
You will likely have your hands full cultivating plants and shrubs for the winter. With these tips, you can turn your dull, barren yard into a beautiful winter landscape. This winter, for all your complex landscaping needs , including landscaping supplies, trees, mulch, or shrubs for sale, contact us today.
