Winter’s signature sights delight the senses, whether you witness a soft coat of snow, an icicle fringe dangling from your roof’s edge, or a cool, gray evening sky. But the season also offers another less appealing sight: dull and dreary landscaping. Hi I’m Michele Irizarry, CEO and Broker of Shore Prime Properties. Having lived in Monmouth County for over 30 years and all my life on the East Coast, winter is the one season that can throw off your curb appeal. What’s a proud homeowner to do when the yard they worked so hard to maintain all year rewards them with unsightly winter coloring? Every season has particular landscaping demands, including the coldest one. With a few tasks, though, you can develop a durable landscape that resists the winter chill. Follow these tips to help keep your yard healthy in winter so it sings in spring.
What Happened to My Yard?
First, it’s important to understand why exactly your yard may look less appealing in winter. “Like a bear in hibernation, perennial plants take advantage of winter as a much-needed period of rest,” writes the Jobe’s Company, a Texas-based garden supply brand. In other words, your yard may appear to be dead on the surface, but it’s actually just saving energy. Therefore, your primary goal during this season should be to protect your already stressed landscaping and let it rest undisturbed.
Lawn Care
You probably don’t enjoy waking up to the sound of a lawn mower, so give your grass the same courtesy while it sleeps. Generally, experts recommend against cutting your grass once temperatures dip consistently below 50 degrees; only mow on a warm, dry day when there is no residual moisture. Throughout the season, pick up any loose leaves and other debris that may collect on your lawn. Doing so can help ensure that your grass gets ample sunlight and air while it rests. Also, avoid using salt or artificial deicing agents on your walkways and driveways, which may wash into your lawn, contaminating your soil and injuring your plants. Try less caustic abrasives like sand or calcium chloride. And if your grass is still green, and therefore not hibernating, feed it a light dose of nitrogen fertilizer late in winter to promote greener regrowth in spring.
Tending to Flowers and Shrubs
Avoid pruning dead growth or picking the rare blooming flower; doing so can expose the delicate inner layers of the plant to frigid air. For cozier rest, blanket the roots of your shrubs and flowering plants with mulch, which can lock in warmth and moisture. You should also safeguard your plants, especially if they aren’t native to your region, against harsh winter storms by temporarily covering them in burlap. This material is light enough to let in moisture and sunlight but dense enough to keep the plants warm.
Winter Tree Care
Believe it or not, evergreens may still want their thirst quenched in winter, particularly when Mother Nature is short on rain and snow. Water these trees occasionally, using a hose if possible to help keep surrounding plants dry, but don’t allow moisture to collect on the surface of the soil. Share the hydration with your other trees and plants a few times a month as well. “Even though remaining plants are dormant during the winter, it’s still important that they receive the water they—specifically, their roots—need to stay alive,” Jobe’s notes. If you have fruit trees, prune dead or dry growth in late winter, and spray them with dormant oil, which will protect them from pests that may unfortunately still be active this season. Apply according to the product’s directions.
Get a Helping Hand
Winter landscaping can be a challenge, especially for climate-sensitive plants like vines and herb gardens. If you face serious yard care challenges, keep a horticulturist’s contact info handy. This expert will happily lend a hand if you have concerns about a particular plant species or need to bring your lawn back from the brink. If you have any questions regarding your home’s curb appeal, reach out to us here at Shore Prime Properties today. We are always happy to help. I’m Michele Irizarry, providing a 5 star real estate experience at the Jersey Shore.
