Even though we’re in the middle of winter, it’s still a good idea to pay attention to your landscape. Take the time now to care for your lawn and plants, and you can help assure a healthy, vibrant yard come spring, says Gene Caballero, co-founder of GreenPal, a company that provides landscape maintenance.
Here Caballero shares five tips for keeping your landscape healthy during the winter months.
Remember to water plants
“Hedges, fruit trees and shrubs all need water during cold months when there is no rain or snowfall,” says Caballero. “Insufficient watering can result in serious damage to plants from dehydration and/or disease.”
Apply high-quality mulch
“For mulching, use the best materials to promote plant health, hydration, growth and fertility,” says Caballero. “Poor quality mulch could infest healthy soil and plants with fungus or pests. If weather permits, mulch the soil surrounding trees and shrubs. When the ground is frozen, wait until it thaws in late winter/early spring.”
Use high-quality fertilizer
“Granular fertilizer isn’t an ideal product for plants, because it takes longer to dissolve, especially in colder temperatures,” says Caballero. “In climates that don’t experience severe winter, continue to fertilize the lawn and other plants. If the lawn and plants don’t get enough fertilizer, they can wither or suffer severe frost burns. Fertilize with a spray applicator.”
Rake the yard
It might be a tedious chore, but Caballero says that raking when weather permits is the secret to keeping the yard tidy and clutter-free. “Neglect this duty, and fungus and mold are likely to thrive when the snow accumulates on the leaves.”
Avoid using weed killer
“Plant care professionals advise against using any form of pesticides, especially weed killer, during winter months,” says Caballero. “Only treat with weed killer if the temperatures remain above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.”
Julie Bawden-Davis is a garden writer and master gardener, who since 1985 has written for publications such as Organic Gardening, Wildflower, Better Homes and Gardens and The Los Angeles Times. She is the author of seven books, including Reader’s Digest Flower Gardening, Fairy Gardening, The Strawberry Story, and Indoor Gardening the Organic Way, and is the founder of HealthyHouseplants.com.
