As the last of the autumn leaves settle, many homeowners are tempted to turn their attention indoors, leaving the garden to brave the winter on its own. But imagine stepping into your yard in early spring only to find frostbitten shrubs, withered flowers, and lawn damage from the harsh winter months.

Winter can be rough on landscapes, but with a bit of prep now, you can avoid this springtime heartbreak. Winterizing your landscape is more than just a seasonal chore—it’s an investment in year-round beauty and resilience.

With just a few simple steps, you can protect your plants, keep your lawn and garden healthy, and give your landscape the best chance to thrive through cold weather. American Landscape services makes this process straightforward with expert guidance.

This season, American Landscape can help you prepare your outdoor spaces for the winter ahead so they are vibrant in the Spring.

5 Essential Winter Prep Tips from American Landscape Services

As winter approaches, Wisconsin landscapes face unique challenges—from freezing temperatures and frost to the impact of heavy snowfall and harsh winds. Without proper preparation, these conditions can damage trees, shrubs, and gardens, affecting their growth and health for seasons to come.

Here at American Landscape, our services can help you prepare your landscape for the winter months. Our customized solutions address the specific needs of local plants, trees, and other outdoor features, facilitating a healthy and vibrant landscape in the spring.

Not quite sure where to start? Here are five winter prep tips from the American Landscape team:

Tip 1: Protect Trees and Shrubs for Winter

Winter brings a host of challenges for trees and shrubs, from freezing winds to heavy snow and ice. Without proper protection, these elements can cause frost damage, broken branches, and even harm from hungry animals foraging during the colder months.

To help your trees and shrubs withstand winter’s harshest conditions, consider the following:

Wrap Trees and Shrubs for Winter Protection

Wrapping shrubs and small trees in burlap effectively protects against snow, ice, and cold winds. Burlap acts as a breathable shield that allows moisture and air circulation while keeping harsh winds from directly impacting the plant’s structure. This technique benefits evergreen shrubs or sensitive young trees prone to winter burn.

Winter can also attract deer, rabbits, and other animals looking for food, and young tree bark or tender shrubs are often on their menu. Installing wire cages around vulnerable plants creates a physical barrier, deterring these animals from reaching and damaging the plants. Choose rust-resistant wire and place the cage securely around the base to keep animals at bay while allowing the plant to thrive safely through the season.

Placing evergreen boughs over or around shrubs for a natural and effective winter shield offers additional insulation. This method blends seamlessly into the landscape and provides a layer of warmth to help protect plants from frost. Evergreen boughs create a buffer zone that reduces direct exposure to snow and cold air, allowing more delicate shrubs to stay protected without heavy equipment.

Extra Precautions for Winter-Ready Trees and Shrubs

While wrapping and physical barriers help shield your plants from immediate winter threats, additional proactive care can ensure trees and shrubs remain healthy throughout the colder months. By inspecting and preparing them in advance, you can reduce the risk of damage from severe weather and promote a stronger regrowth come spring.

Here are four key practices to consider for well-rounded winter tree care:

• Health Assessment: Inspect trees for trunk cracks, weak limbs, and discoloration, which could worsen in harsh conditions.
• Winter Pruning: Trim weak or dying branches to protect trees from breakage under snow or ice.
• Fertilization: Fertilization before winter is crucial as it strengthens roots and improves resilience against winter stress. Proper nutrition allows plants to endure harsh conditions and promotes healthy growth in the spring.
• Emergency Removal: Remove hazardous trees or branches post-storm to prevent injury or property damage.

Tip 2: Plant and Store Bulbs Properly

Planting and storing bulbs appropriately before winter can result in a vibrant, early-spring garden. Cold-hardy bulbs can be planted directly in the ground, while tender varieties should be stored for protection against freezing temperatures.

Hardy bulbs like daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and hyacinths are ideal for early planting because they establish strong root systems before the ground freezes, preparing them to withstand winter’s chill.

Planting bulbs 6–8 inches deep creates a protective soil layer, shielding them from frost damage.

Spacing is also crucial; depending on the bulb type, aim for 3–6 inches apart to allow for healthy growth without crowding.

Tip 3: Cut Back Perennials

Deciding whether to cut back your perennials depends on both aesthetic preferences and practical needs. Trimming back perennials helps prevent disease by removing dead or decaying foliage and encouraging fresh spring growth.

However, some plants can provide winter interest and support for wildlife. Grasses and seed-heavy perennials, like coneflowers, can be left standing to add texture and provide food for birds during winter.

So, who should stay and who should go?

• Cut Back: Plants like hostas and daylilies benefit from trimming to remove dead leaves and promote healthy growth.
• Leave Standing: Ornamental grasses, coneflowers, and black-eyed Susans offer visual interest and shelter for wildlife throughout winter.

By balancing both needs, you’ll create a winter landscape that’s both practical and appealing.

Tip 4: Prepare the Lawn and Landscape for Snow Management

Properly preparing your lawn and landscape before the first snowstorm helps prevent long-term damage and keeps your property looking pristine throughout the winter.

Stake and Mark Essential Areas

Before snow hits, use stakes to mark important areas on your property clearly. This ensures snowplows and foot traffic stay clear of delicate plants and structures.

• Use Stakes for Protection: Place stakes along driveways, walkways, and the edges of your lawn to prevent snowplows from damaging turf or other structures.
• Guide Foot Traffic: Marking pathways also help direct foot traffic, protecting delicate plants or garden beds from accidental damage by heavy snow accumulation.

Final Mow

While you don’t want to drive or walk on frozen grass if possible, on warmer days you can still get in a final mow and mulch any remaining leaves into your turf. Ensure the grass is not cut too short, which can expose it to winter stress, but aim for a moderate length to protect it from frost damage.

These preparations will ensure your landscape remains intact during winter and recovers quickly when the weather warms.

Tip 5: Water Evergreens to Prevent Winter Burn

Watering your evergreens before the ground freezes is essential to prevent winter burn, which is caused by dehydration in cold weather. Continue watering your evergreens weekly until the soil freezes, ensuring the ground remains moist but not saturated, as overwatering can lead to root rot.

In addition to watering, mulching is an effective way to protect the roots from freezing temperatures. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the trees, keeping it away from the trunk to prevent moisture buildup.

Winter burn can be identified by:

• Browning Needles: Needles turning brown or yellow, especially on evergreens, are a common sign of winter burn.
• Desiccated Branches: Branches may become dry and brittle, losing flexibility.
• Curling or Drooping Foliage: Foliage may appear curled or limp due to dehydration.
• Premature Needle Drop: A sudden loss of needles, especially in evergreen plants, can indicate winter stress.
• Visible Tips of Branches Turning Brown: The tips of branches or needles may turn brown and dry out due to lack of water during winter.

Proper care now can help your evergreens weather the winter and remain vibrant come spring.

Get Ready for Winter with American Landscape Services

Preparing your landscape for winter ensures a healthier, more vibrant yard come spring, reducing issues like winter burn, plant damage, and lawn stress. A little proactive care now can make all the difference in the long-term health of your plants.

For tailored advice or assistance with winterizing your outdoor space, contact American Landscape. Our services are designed to help you protect and enhance your landscape through the colder months.