Winter Landscaping Tips for Stronger Trees and Shrubs
When the cold season arrives, your trees and shrubs face harsh winds, freezing temperatures, and dry soil conditions that can weaken their growth. Applying a winter tree fertilizer before the ground freezes can strengthen root systems and provide essential nutrients for the months ahead. Protecting your landscape through proper winter care ensures your plants come back healthier in spring. Follow these winter landscaping tips for stronger trees and shrubs to help them survive and thrive all season long.
1. Deep Water Before the Ground Freezes
Even dormant trees and shrubs need moisture during winter. Give your plants a slow, deep watering before the ground freezes to help roots absorb enough water for the months ahead. Focus on soaking the root zone to a depth of 8 - 12 inches. This simple step prevents root damage, reduces winter stress, and encourages stronger spring growth.
2. Add Mulch to Insulate Roots
Mulch acts as a natural blanket for your soil, protecting roots from freezing temperatures and moisture loss. Apply a 2 - 4 inch layer of wood chips or shredded bark around your trees and shrubs, just keep it a few inches away from the trunk to avoid rot. Mulching also helps stabilize soil temperature and prevent frost heaving, which can expose delicate roots to the cold.
3. Prune and Inspect Before Heavy Snow
Winter is an ideal time to prune your landscape. Remove any damaged or diseased branches to prevent breakage from snow and ice buildup. Pruning now also improves airflow and plant shape for the next growing season. Always use clean, sharp tools and avoid cutting spring-blooming shrubs that already have flower buds.
4. Protect Against Wind and Winter Burn
Harsh winter winds can cause evergreens and young trees to lose moisture faster than they can absorb it, leading to winter burn. To prevent this, wrap exposed shrubs or new plantings in burlap or landscape fabric, and use windbreaks where possible. For added protection, consider applying an anti-desiccant spray to retain moisture in evergreen foliage.
5. Guard Against Sunscald and Salt Damage
Sunscald happens when winter sunlight warms tree bark during the day, followed by freezing temperatures at night. Prevent this by wrapping thin-barked trees with a light-colored tree guard. Also, minimize the use of rock salt near your landscape - salt runoff can harm roots and soil quality. Choose plant-safe ice melts from MAX Choice Bio-Fertilizers to protect your greenery while keeping walkways safe.
6. Care for Newly Planted Trees and Shrubs
Young plants need extra attention during their first winter. Add extra mulch (4 - 6 inches) around their base for insulation, and make sure they are well-hydrated before the ground freezes. If you planted trees recently, secure them with stakes to prevent wind movement from loosening their roots.
7. Strengthen Roots with Winter Tree Fertilizer
One of the best ways to support your trees and shrubs during the colder months is by using a winter tree fertilizer before the ground freezes. This specialized fertilizer provides slow-release nutrients that feed roots throughout the dormant season. Even when trees and shrubs aren’t actively growing, their root systems continue to develop underground. Applying a winter fertilizer encourages stronger root growth, improved nutrient storage, and better overall resilience when spring arrives.
Keep Your Landscape Healthy All Year Long
Taking proactive steps now ensures your plants don’t just survive winter, they thrive afterward. Using MAX Choice Bio-Fertilizers along with these winter landscaping tips for stronger trees and shrubs will help you maintain healthy, vibrant greenery while preventing costly damage.