Categories: Blog

How to Protect Your Shrubs in Winter

In late fall when the weather starts to turn colder, homeowners with beautiful shrubs start to wonder how they can protect their plants during the winter months and times of inclement weather. Shrubs do need protection from frost and wind and also from the weight of snow and ice that can cause branches to crack off causing irreparable damage.

Prune the Shrubs

The first step is to prune the shrubs. This means snipping the ends of the branches to ensure new growth in the spring. You should also inspect the shrubs to find any weak leaves or branches. Cut these off. Branches that are firmly rooted to the trunk will remain strong, but those that are weak will easily break in strong wind or under snow and ice.

Mulch the Soil

Adding mulch to the soil around the shrubs in the fall will help keep the soil moist. Since the roots need to rely on water and moisture that they have stored, not adding any mulch to the ground can cause them to dry out. Thus, it will take longer for them to bloom in the spring and summer when you want to enjoy them the most.

Wrap the Shrubs

Burlap wrapping for shrubs is easily available at home improvement stores and garden stores. Wrap the shrub completely so that it is not open to the weather. The burlap will still allow air and moisture to get inside to the plant.

Span the Shrubs

If you live in an area where the wind is really high during the winter or if you are open to the ocean, it would be very helpful to span the shrubs. To do this all you need is a few thin slats of wood. Stick them into the ground around the perimeter of the shrub and tie them together with strong rope. This will help keep the shrub in place and not blow in a certain direction with the wind.

Removing the Coverings

In spring you don’t need to be too hasty in removing the protective coverings from your shrubs. Pay attention to the weather reports to make sure that all threat of cold weather has passed. Then you can be sure that your plants will bloom and grow in your garden all summer long.

Once you have established shrubs in the garden, you know that they have taken root and you may not have to be as careful with them as you would with young plants. However, you should still prune and mulch at the beginning of winter every year.

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