Contrary to popular belief, winter is not just a time of hibernation for your yard and garden—it’s an important opportunity to prime your outdoor space for growth in the upcoming spring season. While leaves wither away and plants die, there is more to do in the landscaping genre than many enthusiasts even know about.
Let’s dive into this today with 7 landscaping basics.
Why Should You Keep Your Landscaping in Peak Condition All Year Long?
While many people tend to only focus on their landscaping during the warmer months, neglecting it during the winter can have long-term consequences like the following:
- Dead or damaged plants
- Erosion and soil depletion
- Pest infestations
- Costly repairs in spring
It’s essential to keep up with your landscaping throughout the year. And winter is no exception!
7 Landscaping Basics to Prepare for the Cold
Not that the warning is said, what exactly can you do? Surprisingly, there are plenty of tasks that can ensure your outdoor space stays healthy and beautiful. Here are seven landscaping basics to enlist this winter:
1. Clear Debris and Leaves
Leaves, branches, and other debris accumulate fast during the winter months. These can prevent sunlight and moisture from reaching your plants, which in turn, causes damage or death. It’s essential to regularly rake and clear your lawn to promote healthy growth in the spring. Plus, your yard can keep its place as the prettiest on the street!
2. Prune and Trim
Winter is an ideal time to prune and trim your trees, shrubs, and bushes. With the leaves gone, it’s easier to see which branches need removal which also promotes some healthy growth in the spring.
3. Protect Your Plants
Winter weather can be harsh on plants, especially young or delicate ones. Consider adding mulch to the base of your plants to insulate and protect them from freezing temperatures. You can also wrap shrubs and trees with burlap to shield them from cold winds.
4. Keep Watering
Out of all our winter landscaping basics, this might seem least obvious—don’t stop watering your yard! Make sure to regularly water your plants, especially newly placed ones. Frozen soil can limit the amount of moisture and nutrients that reach the roots, so proper watering is crucial.
5. Check for Pests
Winter is a prime time for pests like rodents and insects to seek shelter in your plants. Keep an eye out for any signs of infestations (chewed leaves or holes in the soil). If you do notice any pests, take appropriate measures to get rid of them before they cause any damage.
6. Plan for Spring
Winter is an excellent time to plan and prepare for spring landscaping projects. Take this time to research and gather ideas, purchase and stock up on materials, and schedule professional services. This way, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running once spring arrives.
7. Keep Planting!
Don’t let the cold weather deter you from adding some color and life to your outdoor space. Many plants and flowers thrive in winter, such as holly, winterberry, and pansies. These can add a pop of color to your winter landscape, leaving you with a beautiful oasis instead of a bare yard come spring.
By following our landscaping basics guide, you can ensure that your outdoor space stays beautiful and healthy all year long. So don’t let the winter season slow you down; get ahead of the game and give your yard some love and care this winter!
Don’t Work Solo—Enlist Stoeckig Landscape
While it’s beneficial to keep up with your landscaping during the winter, we understand that it can be challenging and time-consuming. That’s where Stoeckig Landscape comes in. Our team of professionals has 20 years of experience and will handle the gruntwork of your winter landscaping basics. So sit back, relax, and let us help you maintain your beautiful outdoor space.
Why wait? Contact us today for a consultation!