As the gardening season winds down, a little preparation can make a big difference in how well your landscape weathers the winter months. Before you put the garden hose away for the season, take time to give newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials a thorough watering. Moisture in the soil is especially important before the ground freezes solid.
Fall-planted pansies, for example, can be successful over winter when adequate soil moisture is maintained. Whenever temperatures rise above freezing during winter, additional watering can help protect plants and improve their chances of making it through the season.
Protect Evergreens From Winter Burn
Evergreens are particularly vulnerable to winter desiccation, or moisture loss caused by cold, dry winds. Anti-desiccant sprays can help reduce winter burn by coating leaves and needles with a thin, waxy layer that slows moisture loss and provides protection from drying winds. A second application can be made in midwinter when temperatures are above 40 degrees.
Keep Hungry Wildlife at Bay
Winter can be a challenging time for wildlife, and rabbits, rodents and deer may turn to your landscape for food. Repellents can be very effective in discouraging browsing on desirable deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs, perennials and flower bulbs.
Repellents generally come in two forms: granular and liquid. Some work primarily through an unpleasant scent, while others make plants taste bad to browsing animals. Both approaches can be effective. For plants that have suffered damage in previous winters, using both types of repellents and reapplying them in midwinter can provide additional protection.
In areas with heavy deer or rabbit pressure, fencing may be necessary. Fencing should be tall and sturdy enough to prevent browsing and withstand the rubbing of deer antlers, often called “buck rubs.”
Paper or burlap tree wrap can also help protect smooth-barked trees from frost cracks, although it does not provide protection from deer. Hanging scented soap from a rope tied to lower branches can offer temporary protection, but it should not be considered a long-term solution.
Prune Before Winter
Fall is also an excellent time to take a close look at your trees and shrubs. Identify branches that are growing toward or against the house, driveways or other structures. Crossing branches and those with included, or ingrown, bark is easier to spot once the leaves have fallen and should be removed when appropriate.
Evergreens growing into structures can also be pruned back. When pruning plants such as junipers, make your cuts back to a live branch or bud. New growth will emerge in spring just below the cuts, helping the plant maintain a natural appearance.
Bring the Garden Indoors
Don’t let those freshly pruned evergreen branches go to waste. Many evergreens have beautiful foliage and a wonderful fragrance, making them perfect for winter arrangements. Combine them with colorful stems, such as red-stemmed dogwood, and branches bearing berries, including juniper and winterberry, to create an inviting porch pot or seasonal container.
To keep fresh branches looking their best and help hold them securely in place, water the containers well. An anti-desiccant spray can also help evergreen branches retain their color and stay fresh-looking longer.
Keep Planting While You Can
The gardening season isn’t necessarily over just because winter is approaching. You can continue planting until the ground freezes solidly. Whenever you plant this late in the season, remember to water thoroughly. A little extra care now can help your landscape emerge from winter healthier and ready for a strong start in spring.
Architerra Inc | www.architerrainc.com | 847-949-6576
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