Dormancy Management: Protecting Your Investment During Harsh Conditions
Winter landscape care focuses on protecting plants from harsh conditions while planning for spring renewal and improvement projects.
December: Early Winter Vigilance
Plant Protection Monitoring
1.
Weather Damage Prevention
Snow and Ice Management:
- Brush snow off evergreen branches gently
- Never knock ice off plants (causes breakage)
- Install burlap windbreaks for exposed plants
- Keep walkways clear for safety and plant protection
2. Wildlife Management
Winter Wildlife Issues:
- Deer browsing on shrubs and trees
- Rodent damage to bark and roots
- Bird damage to buds and berries
- Salt damage from road de-icing
Protection Strategies:
- Install fencing or netting around vulnerable plants
- Apply repellent sprays (reapply after rain/snow)
- Use tree guards on young trees
- Choose alternative de-icing materials near plants
January: Mid-Winter Planning
Planning and Design for Next Season
1.
Landscape Assessment and Planning
- Evaluate current landscape performance and problems
- Plan improvements and replacement projects
- Order seeds and plants for spring delivery
- Budget for upcoming season's maintenance and improvements
2. Education and Skill Development
- Take winter gardening courses
- Plan garden visits and inspiration gathering
- Research new plant varieties and techniques
- Update landscape maintenance knowledge and skills
February: Preparation for Spring
Pre-Season Equipment Preparation
1.
Tool and Equipment Maintenance
Winter Equipment Service:
- Service lawn mowers and power equipment
- Sharpen and repair hand tools
- Check and repair irrigation components
- Order supplies and materials for spring
Early Planting Preparation
1.
Soil and Bed Preparation
- Plan soil improvement projects
- Order compost and soil amendments
- Prepare seed-starting equipment for early vegetables
- Plan cold-frame or greenhouse growing
Environmental Stewardship That Saves Money
Sustainable landscaping reduces maintenance costs, conserves resources, and creates healthier environments while maintaining beauty and property value.
Water-Wise Landscaping (Xeriscaping)
1.
Plant Selection Strategy
Drought-Tolerant Plant Benefits:
- 50-75% reduction in watering needs
- Lower maintenance requirements
- Better adaptation to local climate extremes
- Reduced pest and disease problems
Regional Native Plant Advantages:
- Adapted to local soil and climate conditions
- Support local wildlife and pollinators
- Minimal fertilizer and pesticide needs
- Lower long-term replacement costs
Organic and Integrated Pest Management
1.
Soil Health Foundation
Organic Soil Building:
- Regular compost applications (1-2 inches annually)
- Reduced chemical fertilizer dependence
- Improved soil structure and water retention
- Enhanced beneficial microbial activity
Natural Pest Control Methods:
- Beneficial insect habitat creation
- Companion planting for pest deterrence
- Cultural controls (proper spacing, sanitation)
- Targeted organic treatments when necessary
Energy-Efficient Landscape Design
1.
Strategic Plant Placement
Cooling Benefits:
- Deciduous trees on south/west sides for summer shade
- Evergreen windbreaks on north side for winter protection
- Ground covers to reduce heat reflection
- Vine-covered trellises for additional cooling
Maintenance Efficiency:
- Group plants by maintenance needs
- Design for efficient mowing patterns
- Minimize high-maintenance lawn areas
- Use hardscaping to reduce maintenance