Protecting Your Trees and Shrubs During Harsh Winter Months

Safeguard Your Landscape Investments from Winter’s Worst

Winter in the Northeast can be brutal, with heavy snow, ice, and freezing temperatures posing serious risks to trees and shrubs. For property managers, ensuring the health of your landscape is essential not only for aesthetics but also for maintaining property value and tenant satisfaction. Protecting trees and shrubs during the harsh winter months is a proactive step that helps prevent costly damage and ensures a thriving landscape come spring.

Below, we’ll explore proven strategies to protect your greenery and show how professional care can make the process easier and more effective.

Understand the Threats of Winter Weather

Before preparing your landscape, it’s crucial to know what you’re up against:

• Freezing Temperatures: Frost and extreme cold can cause cracks in tree bark and damage tender plant tissues.

• Snow and Ice Accumulation: The weight of snow and ice can break branches or topple shrubs entirely.

• Dehydration: Despite the dormant season, trees and shrubs need moisture to survive; frozen ground makes it difficult for roots to absorb water.

• Winter Burn: Strong winter winds can dry out leaves and needles, particularly on evergreens, leading to brown, desiccated foliage.

By recognizing these risks, property managers can plan to mitigate damage effectively.

Key Winter Protection Strategies

1. Apply Mulch for Insulation

A thick layer of mulch around the base of trees and shrubs acts as insulation for the roots, helping them retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

• Use 2-4 inches of mulch, taking care to keep it a few inches away from trunks to prevent rot.

• Mulching is especially beneficial for younger trees and shrubs with less established root systems.

2. Prune Strategically Before Winter

Pruning removes weak or dead branches that are likely to snap under the weight of snow and ice.

• Focus on removing diseased or overgrown branches while preserving the tree’s natural shape.

• Schedule pruning in late fall before the first major freeze to reduce stress on plants.

3. Use Physical Barriers

Installing protective barriers can shield vulnerable shrubs and trees from wind, ice, and animals.

• Wrap burlap or protective fabric around shrubs and small trees.

• Use stakes and snow fencing to create windbreaks for particularly exposed plants.

• For added protection against deer or rodents, install wire mesh or tree guards.

4. Water Thoroughly Before the Freeze

Proper hydration is essential before the ground freezes.

• Deeply water trees and shrubs in late fall, ensuring moisture reaches the roots.

• Focus on evergreens, which continue to lose moisture through their needles in winter.

5. De-Icing Caution

Salt and chemical de-icers can harm roots and foliage.

• Opt for pet-safe or plant-friendly de-icers, especially near landscaped areas.

• Use barriers like snow fencing to keep salt-laden runoff away from delicate plantings.

How Professional Landscaping Services Simplify Winter Prep

Managing a commercial or multi-family property often means juggling many responsibilities. Professional landscaping services can take winter prep off your plate with tailored solutions:

• Customized Care Plans: Professionals assess your property’s unique needs, ensuring the right level of protection for each plant.

• Expert Pruning and Mulching: Trained crews ensure proper technique, maximizing plant health and resilience.

• Seasonal Monitoring: Ongoing inspections throughout winter catch and address issues like snow damage or dehydration before they escalate.

Investing in expert care not only protects your trees and shrubs but also enhances your property’s ROI by ensuring a lush, vibrant landscape year-round.

Protect Your Landscape Investment This Winter

By taking proactive steps to shield your trees and shrubs from winter damage, you safeguard your property’s curb appeal and long-term value. But you don’t have to go it alone.

Contact White Tree Landscape Management today to schedule a winterization consultation. Let our team ensure your landscape weathers the season in top condition. Together, we’ll prepare your property for success, no matter how harsh the winter!

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