Winter Work
Your landscape improves your life in many subtle (and healthy) ways and the short cool days of winter offer an ideal window for many landscape projects. As plants ease into dormancy, opportunities for feeding and pruning arise. Most, if not all of your woody landscape plants will benefit from developmental pruning, including your larger tree species. Our certified arborists can provide structural improvements, view-shed enhancements, cabling and lightning protection, or can simply consult with you on the long-term viability and care of your large trees. Your plants will also benefit from being fed with a complete, slow-release fertilizer (organic options are available!), helping them grow and thrive in the coming season. To ensure your plants can receive the nutrients, soil tests are recommended periodically, which will indicate if there are inadequate levels of major and minor elements, and can also pinpoint your soil pH levels, which can affect the uptake of vital nutrients. Soil samples can also be taken from your turf areas as well, again to determine nutrient and pH levels. If pH is low in your turf, winter is an excellent time to apply lime, as the natural freeze / thaw cycle can help incorporate the lime into the soil profile.
Winter is also an excellent time for installing new trees and shrubs. Plants move and establish more readily during dormancy, and are better able to withstand the hot, dry days of summer given a head start, reducing watering needs and increasing the likelihood of success. Large trees are absolutely beneficial; they provide screening, shade, habitat, and architectural interest and can be enjoyed for their many benefits, or can be a reminder of a special person, event, or milestone. Likewise, additions to your understory can provide food and cover for birds, bees, and butterflies, or provide you with the fragrance or look of your favorite flower.
Hardscape additions are also easily completed in the winter season. Consider an outdoor patio or path in natural, local stone, or a locust staircase to improve access on sloping land. Outdoor lighting can provide safe access, or highlight an important architectural element. Boulder walls can provide terracing for steep land, creating a level area for play or gathering. Creation of bed space under canopy trees can provide a new opportunity for a chair and table, bench, or hammock. Think warm weather, iced tea and new books…
As we approach the coming of spring, other winter “chores” should be put to bed. Perennials and grasses left standing to provide winter interest need to be cut back prior to the emergence of new growth. Rogue leaf piles and storm-downed limbs can be cleared and new mulch installed. Installing mulch ahead of spring growth helps minimize any potential damage to tender leaves and shoots. Turf areas can be fed and pre-emergent put down to minimize weed pressure. Dormant oil can be applied to evergreens to smother detrimental spider mites and various hard and soft scales. Let us cover these projects for you; clean, feed, shape, protect and enhance your landscape now, and enjoy all that it offers in springtime.