Winter Garden Preparation: Essential Tasks for a Thriving Landscape
Garden maintenance doesn't stop just because your fall plants have faded and the first signs of winter arrive. In fact, the colder months require just as much attention to keep your landscape healthy. If you skip over key tasks, you risk plant damage, soil erosion, and infestations of pests or diseases. Proper winter preparation can help protect your garden from the harsh elements and ensure your landscape emerges strong come spring. To keep your plants and soil in top shape through the chilly months ahead, here are the essential tasks you’ll want to tackle before winter fully sets in.
Protect Perennials from Frost Heaving
Perennials are a great addition to any garden, returning year after year, as long as they're suited to your climate. Hardy varieties typically require little preparation for winter. However, if you live in an area with frequent freezing and thawing, you may need to watch out for frost heaving. This occurs when the freeze-thaw cycle causes the soil to shift, pushing plants — especially newer ones with shallow roots — out of the ground.
To protect your perennials from this issue, apply a 6-inch layer of mulch, such as chopped leaves, straw, or bark, once the ground has frozen. The mulch will help stabilize soil temperatures and keep the roots insulated, which is particularly important in areas where snow cover is inconsistent. In spring, once the risk of frost has passed and temperatures begin to warm, remove the mulch to allow your plants to breathe and begin growing again.
Pamper Trees and Shrubs for Winter Survival
Ensuring that your trees and shrubs are in good health before winter arrives will help them weather the colder months more easily. Both evergreen and deciduous species benefit from a few key winterizing steps, starting with proper hydration. If autumn has been dry, make sure to give your trees and shrubs a deep watering before the ground freezes, as plants still need moisture throughout the winter.
For trees and shrubs planted in the fall, apply a thick layer of organic mulch—such as chopped leaves—around the base, up to 6 inches deep. Just be sure the mulch doesn't come into contact with the plant stems. This mulch helps retain moisture in the soil and insulates the roots, protecting them from the damaging freeze-thaw cycles.
It's also important to trim away any damaged or diseased branches before winter sets in. This will reduce the risk of snow and wind making these issues worse. For young evergreens, especially those in exposed locations, consider wrapping them with burlap or shade cloth to shield them from harsh winter winds, which can dry out the foliage.
Protect Roses from Harsh Winter Conditions
Roses can be vulnerable to severe winter weather, but with a little extra care, they can survive the colder months. To protect your roses, apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch, chopped leaves, or pine needles around the base of the plant. This helps insulate the roots and retains moisture.
"Consider wrapping the plant in burlap to shield it from drying winter winds," suggests gardening experts. Burlap can also offer additional protection from heavy snow or frost damage. Come spring, be sure to remove the excess mulch and trim away any dead or broken canes to encourage healthy new growth.
Disconnect your garden hose
Empty any outdoor hoses of water for the winter and store them out of the sunshine. If water is left in a hose over the winter, it will gather in the lowest location and freeze, expanding the hard plastic and cracking the hose. Make sure to unscrew hose sprayers and store them with the hose, in a shed or garage for the winter.