Landscaping might be the last thing on your mind, but let us convince you otherwise. The experts say that it's a great time of the year for outdoor home maintenance.
Think of it this way: Every season is ripe with opportunity. Winter is a season of dormancy. Most homeowners don't realize that you can take care of issues with your outdoor space more easily during the winter than during other parts of the year.
How do you mean? Allow us to explain:
1. Pruning in the Winter is Easier (And Improves Plant Health)
"Many trees are best pruned in the winter when the tree is bare. In general, it's less stressful for the tree and will help the tree best utilize its energy for summer," shared Blake Watkins, Operations Partner at Monster Tree Service and ISA Board Certified Master Arborist. "Sensitive tree species like Oaks are good to prune in winter to avoid the stress of removing leaves."
I was quick to ask if it was difficult to tell which branches were dead, and which were simply leafless. Turns out, the experts are good at using other clues for diagnostics. Leaf coverage isn't a major indicator, and actually, they get in the way more if you're having trees maintained during the summer months.
Whether you're curating an orchard or want a nice hedge row to block the line of sight from the neighbors, winter is your time to take action. "Hedges and fruit trees are also good candidates for winter pruning," recommends Watkins. "Hedges can be rejuvenated by hard pruning, which is especially important if they are needed for screening or privacy."
2. Planting Can Happen Anytime the Ground Isn't Frozen
Zones 7 to 13, we're looking at you. "Planting isn’t just for the spring—it can be done any time in the winter as long as the ground isn’t frozen," shares Watkins. "Getting your trees and plants in early lets them establish some new roots before the summer heat."
3. Mulching Serves Many Purposes in the Winter
So long as your beds aren't beneath a layer of snow and ice, mulch can easily be spread in the winter. (Plus, you'll get less sweaty.)
"Mulching can be done at any point in the year, but winter mulching is an easy way to improve tree health as it can protect the roots from harsh winter winds and repeated freezing and thawing," notes Watkins.
He adds, "The right amount of mulch is important but it's essential that the trunk is kept free of mulch so it can stay dry. Mulch your young trees now, aiming for a layer of mulch that's 3” deep. Keep a distance of 3” from the base of the trunk to allow for good airflow."
4. You Can Still Protect Your Property Against Ticks During the Winter
"Prevention is the best method for pest control, no matter the pest you’re dealing with," explained Emma Grace Crumbley, an Entomologist at Mosquito Squad Plus. Ticks have a long lifecycle, but in many regions, exposure is reduced during the winter months. This is a great time to plan for early treatments. Crumbley recommends tactics like adding gravel, and echoes that mulching also helps with tick control, among other recommendations that you can apply during the summer months.
Additionally, check for pests around your property. Many ticks are carried onto your property by rodents and small animals. Make sure you clear any nests and barricade areas of interest, whether it's beneath your deck, in a shed or barn, or around your woodpile.
Other Landscaping Chores to Do Before Spring
- Planning and designing new landscaping layouts. Use the quiet, cold season to plan new garden beds, design landscaping projects, and research plants.
- Installing hardscape elements like patios, walkways, or retaining walls (again, if the ground isn't frozen!). Outdoor labor is much more enjoyable during cooler temperatures.
- Cleaning and maintaining garden tools and equipment for optimal performance
- Checking and repairing irrigation systems to prevent freezing or leaks
- Winterizing outdoor structures such as gazebos, pergolas, or garden sheds
- Taking inventory of outdoor plants and making notes for future maintenance or replacement
