Winter can pose significant challenges to the health and longevity of landscape plants. As temperatures drop and the ground freezes, plants face a range of conditions that can affect their appearance, growth, and overall survival. Understanding these threats is the first step toward protecting your garden, your outdoor living spaces, and the beauty of features like pavers, walls, and natural stone elements. Below are 4 common threats to landscape plants during the cold months, along with practical ways to reduce their impact.
1. Temperature Fluctuations
One of the most common winter threats comes from rapid temperature changes. Plants typically adjust slowly to cold weather. Sudden warm spells can cause them to break dormancy prematurely, only to suffer damage once temperatures drop again. This can weaken plants and even harm softscapes or the plants surrounding natural stone features and pavers. To help stabilize conditions around the root zone, apply a layer of mulch to regulate soil temperature and reduce the risk of early deacclimatization.
2. Desiccation
Desiccation, or moisture loss, is a serious issue for landscape plants in winter. Cold winds and reflective sunlight can strip moisture from plant tissues. Evergreens are especially vulnerable because they continue to transpire throughout the season. To mitigate this, water plants deeply in the fall before the ground freezes and consider using anti-desiccant sprays on susceptible species. This is particularly important around softscapes, shorelines, and areas with outdoor living elements, where moisture retention helps maintain both plant health and the integrity of hardscape features.
3. Snow and Ice Damage
Accumulating snow and ice can lead to broken branches, bent stems, and physical stress on landscape plants. Young or flexible plants are particularly susceptible. You can minimize this damage by gently brushing off excess snow after each snowfall and loosely tying the branches of shrubs or conifers to prevent splaying. Be careful around areas with natural stone walls, pavers, and other outdoor living installations, as broken branches or ice slides can damage these features. Avoid manipulating branches when they are frozen to prevent cracking or breakage.
4. Rodent and Pest Damage
Food scarcity during winter often drives rodents and other pests to chew on bark, twigs, and plant stems. This damage can harm young trees and shrubs as well as the surrounding landscaping elements, including softscapes and shorelines. To protect your landscape, wrap the bases of trees with protective guards and remove debris or thick mulch layers close to plant trunks. This not only reduces pest activity but also preserves the integrity of lighting services, backyard automotive areas, and other carefully designed outdoor living spaces.
Protect Your Landscape This Winter
Preparing your landscape for winter helps ensure your plants remain healthy and your outdoor features like walls, pavers, and natural stone elements remain intact. If you need professional support to protect or restore your landscape, Backyard Reflections, Inc. in Annandale and Pequot Lakes, MN is ready to help. Our team specializes in design services, lighting services, natural stone services, and comprehensive care for both softscapes and hardscapes, ensuring your outdoor living areas withstand winter conditions. Contact us at (320) 274-6336 for Annandale or (218) 454-1065 for Pequot Lakes, or complete our online form to schedule a consultation.
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