5 Tips for Managing Winter Damage to Your Landscape

2023 Winter Plant Damage Overview and Tips for Managing Your Landscape.

The dramatic drop in temperature followed by a prolonged period of bitter cold in December 2022 had a profound effect on many of our plants here in Middle TN. We at SCW Group are going to monitor the damage and document our findings throughout the next 6 months while providing some tips and tricks for managing your landscape along the way that include handling plant health and ways to beautify your landscape in the meantime. So watch for our monthly blog posts so you can follow along too!

Magnolia Tree damaged by extreme cold

According to the UTExtension Institute of Agriculture the best thing to do for now is wait. In order to learn the full extent of the damage and know how to proceed we’ll be watching plant materials closely until the spring and possibly into the early summer months. We know waiting is hard to do, especially when you’ve put so much time and effort into your landscape. Listed below are some things you can do for now to help protect your plants and enhance the look of your space until the warmer weather arrives.

Bed of Ivy damaged by extreme cold

1. Hold off on pruning

As soon as we see dead or decaying plant materials the first thought we have is to prune it so that the damage doesn’t spread and the plant looks better. In the case of winter damage pruning could actually cause more damage by exposing healthy tissue to more of the upcoming cold. Even if a plant appears to have been killed to the ground it is important to leave the decaying plant matter as it can provide insulation for the roots from further cold spells.

2. Ensure your plants have enough water

Making sure your plants have enough water is one of their best defenses to damage. The best time to do this is in the summer and fall to ensure that your trees and shrubs have adequate resources to survive the winter but if you notice them drying out due to harsh winter sun and incessant wind you can also help them out by watering on a warm winter day to help thaw some of the moisture in the ground and allowing your plants to soak up some water during a freeze reprieve.

3. Fertilize in the Spring

Wait until Spring to fertilize plants! It is tempting to try adding extra nutrients in order to help plant material heal but it is important to wait until spring to do so. Fertilizing after a spring pruning will give the plant the nutrients it needs to produce new growth when it is able to absorb them due to warmer temps and more rain. If you fertilize in the winter and it does cause the plant to produce new growth that growth will likely die in a late cold snap which will waste the resources from the early fertilization and cause extra damage to the plant.

4. Mulch

Having a few inches of mulch or leaf cover in your landscape is an important insulator for plants and their delicate root systems. It not only protects them from sun, wind and cold damage but also acts as a moisture retainer which helps plants repair and shield against future damage. Fresh mulch also gives your property a more polished look despite how the plant materials currently look.

5. Creating a beautiful space in the meantime

Working with the damage is necessary now but it doesn’t mean you have to accept a dull landscape completely. If you want to give your landscape an upgrade while you’re waiting for everything to come back to life in the spring we have a couple tips. Cleaning up all debris and applying a fresh coat of mulch creates a clean look throughout the landscape. Another option if you’re planning an important event and want a beautiful backdrop or entry is to use container gardening. By either moving around containers you have currently or bringing in new ones you can create beautiful pieces to enhance the look of your space now with seasonal color and cold hearty plant materials. Below are just a few examples of seasonal winter color containers for inspiration.

Conclusion

Ensuring that your landscape is able to survive through harsh winter conditions requires year round maintenance but even if that hasn’t been present it doesn’t mean that your landscape is doomed from this winter event. Wait it out this year to see what comes back and what needs replacement and make sure to use these tips to give your landscape its best chance at weathering the winter next year. Call SCW Group if you have any questions or concerns about your landscape or if you need dedicated care for your landscape this season and throughout the year including some beautiful, unique containers put in place for your upcoming events.