4 Winter Yard Care Tips
Old Man Winter shows greenery no mercy. So follow a few simple steps, and you’ll help see your plants through to brighter days ahead.
Cut back branches
Winter storms don’t just damage tree limbs. They can send those limbs flying – right at your house… or you. Trim back anything that could break off or cause injury to people or property.
- Target dead or decaying branches; prime candidates to snap off during a storm.
- When trimming, make straight, clean cuts. Never cut at an angle or leave jagged edges, as this could create a sharp-edged hazard.
Apply winter fertilizer and mulch
The colder it gets, the more insulation your garden needs. Mulching not only nourishes your plants, it also helps shield them from the harsh elements.
- First, remove any leaves or debris from your garden bed, which can steal moisture and nutrients from the plants.
- Mulch your garden bed at a depth of 2 inches. Any less, or more, isn’t healthy for your plants. Be sure to tamp down the mulch, too. Otherwise it’ll get all over your yard, and leave plants unprotected.
Protect against frost
Even a thin layer of frost can kill plants. It damages the cells, preventing them from absorbing water. (And plants like water).
- Thoroughly water your plants the night before a frost advisory. Oddly enough, wet soil holds heat better than dry soil.
- Cover your plants with burlap or a blanket before dark to keep the heat from escaping while shielding against the frigid night air.
- Remember to uncover your plants in the morning so they can absorb the sunlight.
Winterize your equipment
Your plants aren’t the only things at risk during the cold winter months. Take a few extra steps to make sure your equipment is ready for action come springtime.
- Empty any remaining fuel from your mower and other gas-powered tools. The only thing worse for your equipment than stale fuel is frozen stale fuel.
- Wipe off metal blades with an oiled rag. Rust happens, even in the worst of conditions.
- Sharpen dull blades, too. That way you’ll be ready to trim back to green growth as soon as Old Man Winter clears out for the season.
Spending a little time getting your yard ready for winter will give you more to look forward to next spring. (And a lot less replanting to do, too).
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