Preventing Winter Damage in the Garden

Take these steps to protect against the worst of what winter has to offer

Here in theMidwest , we all remember the winter of 2018 as being a jolly tough one , with lots of snow and ice and opposite vortex circumstance that transport temperature plummet in lateJanuary . As we finish the last details of ourfall cleanupjobs , we can also take a few supernumerary tone to protect and prepare our landscape for the winter ahead , whatever it may convey . view these surplus precautions to help your landscape sail through winter ’s challenge and egress unscathed when the snow melts .

Learn more : Winter Containers for the Midwest

Protect evergreens

With their foliation unwrap to the elements , evergreens are particularly raw to winter extremes . They lose moisture over wintertime , which contributes to winterburn , so keep them well - watered until the ground block . Yews ( Taxusspp . and cvs . , Zones 5–8 ) and arborvitae ( Thujaspp . and cvs . , Zones 2–8 ) are susceptible to flopping and broken limb after heavy snowfall , so be quick with a soft broom to sweep off thick accumulations after snowstorms . A soft sportswoman ball taped to the last of a hold works well too .

Insulate perennials

perennial benefit from consistent snow screen during the winter to limit freezing / thaw cycles in the filth , which can damage roots . If you have n’t already tailor back perennial , allow flora matter to stand inviolate during winter provides additional insulant and aegis for plant crown . Newly plant and marginally sturdy plant can be protect with evergreen boughs or a blanket of lightweight mulch .

Promote drainage in your landscape, and prepare for snow removal

Edging walks and path let water to drain off them more well when we experience winter ice and immobilise / thaw cycles . extravagant wintertime wetness defeat perennials more ofttimes than just cold temperature . Walks that are edge also make clarification snowfall and internal-combustion engine easier , whether with a shovelful or a snowblower . Cut back perennials and grasses that overhang walks to forbid tangle with your snowblower .

Discourage critters

In recent winter , rabbits , deer , and voles are increasingly probable to feed on garden plant . Cage the torso of tender bark and newly planted tree with ironware cloth to prevent vole damage . you may also forestall rabbit from enjoying delicacies like chokeberry ( Aroniaspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–9 ) , viburnums ( Viburnumspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–9 ) , and oakleaf hydrangea ( Hydrangea quercifoliaand cvs . , Zones 5–9 ) by caging the works with chicken telegram that ’s at least 2 foot marvelous . cervid are harder to obstruct , but you’re able to prevent them from demolishing an arborvitae by wrapping it in bird gauze , which is lightweight and virtually invisible .

Winter is rough for all of us — gardens and gardeners likewise — but take on advantage of the last comfortable early winter days to take a few extra precautionary step helps us all relax a bit more when the snow does fell .

— Erin Presley is a horticulturist at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison , Wisconsin .

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