Many people don’t think trees and shrubs must be protected during winter. If you live in an area with a lot of snow, you must protect your plants. In addition, if you live in an area with a lot of freezing and thawing or are subject to strong winds, even plants native to your area may need some winter protection. Here are a few tips for protecting trees and shrubs during winter.
1. Wrap Young, Tender Trees and Shrubs With Burlap or Cloth
This will protect their bark from the elements, especially if winter is harsh. You can secure the wrapping with twine or wire. If you live in an area with a lot of snow, remove the wrapping in the spring, as it can hold moisture around the stem and cause damage. You can contact a local garden center for help if you have any questions about this. Alternatively, you can watch a video tutorial on how to wrap plants in burlap for winter.
2. Use Heavy Mulch To Help Insulate Plants
If you live in an area where it freezes at night and thaws during the day, a heavy layer of mulch can help insulate your plants and protect them from the worst of winter’s chill. Pick up a variety made from natural materials, such as bark or straw, and apply it to your plants in the fall. When the weather warms up in the spring, you can easily rake it off and use it in your landscaping again.
3. Trim Any Dead Branches or Leaves Before Winter Sets In
If you have dead branches or leaves, it’s best to prune them off before winter sets in. This will help prevent moisture from getting trapped in the branches and potentially harming your plants. In addition, you will be able to see any damage that has occurred on your trees or shrubs, and you’ll be able to take steps to prevent it before winter sets in.
4. Keep An Eye Out For Frost and Snow Heaving
Snow heaving can happen when the weather is freezing at night but thawing during the day. If this happens, the snow that melts during the thaw may push up any plants, damaging your trees or shrubs. If this happens, you’ll want to remove the snow from around your plants as soon as possible.
5. Keep An Eye Out For Any Cracks In Your Plants’ bark
Even if you take steps to protect your trees and shrubs during winter, they may be subject to damage if there are cracks in their bark. If you notice any of these, treat them by applying a sealant to protect the tree from further damage. Also, you may need to replace any affected plants, as cracks in their bark can cause them to lose moisture and die.
Conclusion
Protecting trees and shrubs during winter is necessary if you have live plants in your yard. By following these tips, you’ll be able to keep your plants healthy and avoid damage from the elements during the colder months. You can also contact us at Lafayette Huesca Tree Services for any tree service within Lafayette, IN.
