Remember these tips for evergreen care during the cold days of fall and winter.
Evergreens can be beautiful additions to any property. Evergreens do not go completely dormant and lose all of their leaves like deciduous varieties do during autumn. There are steps you can take to provide extra evergreen care to ensure that they stay robust and resistant to the damage that winter conditions can sometimes create. If you want to make sure your evergreens are protected from the various elements of fall and winter, practice the following tips in the upcoming months.
Mulch Before Winter Starts
Mulch can preserve soil moisture, so it can help to add a layer of no more than two inches of mulch to cover the evergreens’ rootzone. When you mulch before winter is in full swing you can keep your soil moist and protect the evergreen’s roots from extreme cold.
Wrap Your Tree Trunks to Prevent Cracks
Your tree trunks are affected by the changes in temperature between daytime and nighttime. During the day the trunks can thaw, but at night they will freeze. If this happens the tree bark can rupture, leading to cracks. You can help prevent cracks in your evergreen trees by wrapping the trunk from the bottom nearest the roots up to the lowest branches.
Many gardeners opt for burlap wrap, which protects bark from sunscald and wind. If you have young trees or saplings, wrapping them can also protect them from snacking animals. Don’t use plastic, as it can prevent your tree from “breathing” and create more damage.
Don’t Fear the Snow
Snow can actually be a part of your evergreen’s care this winter rather than a threat to it. Snow can protect your evergreens from the elements and insulate them from freezing temperatures. The winter sun can dry out your evergreens’ needles when they are exposed, which can lead to them turning brown by springtime.
Skip the Rock Salt
It is important to keep your evergreens away from rock salt. Rock salt used to prevent icy roads and driveways can interfere with your evergreen’s ability to absorb oxygen, water, and other essential nutrients. If you want to prevent ice on your driveway and sidewalks, try non-sodium products that contain calcium chloride, or magnesium chloride instead.
Now Is the Time to Prune
Winter is a convenient time to inspect your evergreens while they remain dormant. You can more easily view the structure of your plant and spot problems with branches that should be pruned.
If you don’t have experience pruning, it is best to trust the professionals at Scientific Plant Service for advice and recommendations. Proper pruning can protect the health of your evergreen tree and ensure its successful growth in the future.
Scientific Plant Service Is Your Go-To Source In Landscape Healthcare
Scientific Plant Service, located in Baltimore, is a privately owned corporation, chartered in Maryland in 1957 by Frank J. Burke. We started as a full-service Arborists specializing in the care of shade trees and ornamental shrubs, but today we are a Lawn Care company that is a huge part of the community. From aquatic environments and snow management to deer and mole control, SPS has services tailored specifically for your lawn and landscape.
We offer services in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia, including: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Calvert counties in MD, as well as Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church in VA. For more information, contact us online, or call us at 410-321-0970. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.