Winter weather can be harsh on many living things, even plants that should thrive outside. But there are ways you can help protect your trees and shrubs in winter so they can bounce back beautifully in spring.

Plants that Need Protection

Typically, plants that are native to your area require less maintenance and are more likely to thrive throughout the seasons. However, certain types of plants are more susceptible to winter damage than others. Here are some factors to consider before the next storm.

• Type. Branches that break from fruit and flowering trees yield fewer blooms in the growing season. Evergreens and conifers are also more vulnerable to winter damage.
• Age. Young and newly planted trees are more fragile with thin, breakable branches and a root system that may not be fully established yet.
• Condition. If your plant has recently been treated for pests, disease, or structural issues, it could be weaker and less likely to handle heavy snow and ice. Also, if you’ve noticed damage after previous storms, it’s time to give it more support.
• Forecast. When heavy snow and ice is on the way, consider whether the branches can take the added weight.

Even if your native plants are well-established and strong enough to handle winter weather, you can help keep them that way with proper maintenance.

Tips to Protect Trees and Shrubs in Winter

You would still bundle up before going outside in the cold, even if you were feeling healthy. So you still want to prepare your plants to survive the winter no matter their current condition. Here’s how:

• Choose native plants suited to your climate.
• Plant in areas shielded from high wind.
• Prune dead or diseased branches prone to breakage.
• Water plants deeply before the ground freezes to help strengthen roots during winter drought.
• Insulate roots with a layer of mulch that also provides nutrients to the soil as it decomposes.
• Use a light-colored tree wrap or guard to protect trunk bark from sunscald and pests.
• Wrap delicate shrubs in a lightweight material, like burlap, to create a wind barrier and trap warmth.
• Install cables to help distribute weight throughout larger trees that need extra support.

If you’re still unsure how to protect your specific tree and shrub this winter, contact Cardinal Lawns to help. Our local experts can assess the potential risk factors in your yard to determine if your plants would benefit from extra protection before the next winter storm.