Winter is a time of greyscale in nature. The ground is covered in a blanket of white while the deciduous trees are bare and the conifers are sleeping. But what does that mean for your landscape at home?

There are certain precautions you should take with your landscape before the winter months come and throughout the cold season. While failing to take caution during this time won’t automatically result in dead greenery, it can help increase a plant’s chance of survival into the new year.

In this article, we’ll cover what the proper precautionary measures are. We’ll also explain the difference between dormancy and death in plants to avoid possible confusion.

Precautionary Measures to Take

The winter months are a good time to break out the pruning tools on your trees. Most trees go dormant in the winter and the healing process goes much smoother when the tree is asleep. Winter is also the best time for pruning because most of the pests and bacteria that like to prey on bare wood are also dormant for the winter.

When it comes to trimming, it’s important to consult a professional if you aren’t a seasoned arborist. StreamLine offers tree pruning services that are guaranteed to be done correctly.

Beyond annual pruning, there are a few other things to keep in mind:

  • Fertilize during the winter. Texas soil doesn’t normally freeze during the winter, which means tree roots continue to soak nutrients up from the ground all year. Fertilizing in the winter ensures roots will grow healthily in the new year.
  • Plant new trees. While many people may not consider winter a good time to plant new growth, the answer is on the contrary. Planting new trees in the winter allows the tree’s root system to grow longer.
  • Wrap trees that need more warmth. Some trees can’t handle temperatures that are too cold. By wrapping their trunk, you help the tree keep in heat and avoid freezing to death. Keep in mind though, the wrapping should fit snugly but not so tight that it chokes the tree.
  • Lay some mulch. Mulching gives the ground a blanket to protect itself from the dry and cold winter air. One layer of mulch should lay flat and measure at 3-6 inches deep depending on the plants being mulched.
  • Water if necessary. If you notice some shrubbery or trees are looking a little sad, check the soil. If it’s dry, your landscaping may need a drink of water.

Dormancy vs. Death

When greenery goes dormant, it’s just a fancier way of saying the plant is sleeping. Most trees will go dormant in the winter, as well as grass and most shrubbery. If you’re concerned with how your landscaping looks and whether or not it’s dormant or dead, there’s something you can do. To test the life of your landscape, just water it for a few days. If the vegetation turns green again, it was only dormant. However, if it remains a dead yellow-brown color, it’s more likely to be dead.