Heavy rain, plummeting temperatures, and frost put a massive strain on plants and outdoor spaces. If your plants aren’t looked after properly during this time, they could wither and wilt, meaning some expensive replacements when spring and summer return.
If you want to ensure your plants have the highest chance of survival through the harsh winter months, you’ll need to read through the tips below.
Preparing trees and shrubs for harsh weather
There are several actions you can take before the winter weather hits to ensure your plants are protected and improve their chances of survival. Perhaps the best suggestion is to prune any weak branches, especially before snow or storms.
Cutting dead or dying limbs before poor weather hits can stop them from breaking, which could further damage the plant or even damage your perfectly crafted landscape.
When pruning any damaged branches, we recommend using high-quality garden shears for bushes, hedges, and smaller plants or high-performance cordless chainsaws for safe and efficient tree maintenance.
Protecting lawns, beds, and soil from frost damage
When it comes to protecting your plants from frost damage, you’ll need to consider their roots as well as their stems and flowers.
To that end, we recommend applying mulch to the soil. A nice, thick layer of bark, leaves, and other organic material acts as the perfect insulator, preventing frost from damaging the root structure. This can also stop regular freeze/thaw cycles from causing significant damage.
With the roots protected, it’s time to consider everything else. You can use specialist winter protection fleece to prevent the freezing temperatures from any significant issues. If you don’t want to buy specialist materials, you can use large pieces of fabric you already have at home. If your fabric is thick and blocks light, however, make sure you only use it at night to ensure your plants still have plenty of access to light and air.
Essential winter maintenance for outdoor spaces
Whether your property is commercial or residential, you’ll want to ensure some maintenance before winter hits.
The first task you’ll want to tackle is removing any debris. Clearing pathways and driveways of branches and other debris can help ensure safety, no matter who needs access. It prevents trip hazards, especially if you have snow or ice.
We also recommend that you regularly inspect any fences, pergolas, and decking. During the winter, constant dampness can damage any wood construction, potentially leading to damage or injury. This risk is increased if your ground has poor drainage since this can cause your fence posts to rot, and fall over during poor weather.
