Winter Landscaping
A winter landscape seems the antithesis of activity-deciduous plants have shed their foliage and entered periods of dormancy while blustery winds and extreme temperatures ravage the surface. With careful planning, however, homeowners can protect their landscapes against drying, soil erosion, and exposure to freezing temperatures. Critical pre-winter maintenance will ensure a springtime rejuvenation of perennials as well as healthy soil for the re-planting of annuals. There are also several varieties of plants homeowners can use to act as windbreaks, prevent soil erosion, and provide beautiful color in even the starkest climates.
Homeowners may seek to attract local wildlife over the winter with birdfeeders and salt licks for deer. Food is scarce for these animals to the point where a few well-placed feeders with bird seed will add substantial dynamism and color to the landscape. DIY landscapers should take advantage of the fact that foliage loses its vibrancy in the winter. Winter greenery such as holly, winterberry, yew shrubs, and hemlock can be supplemented with brightly colored clay pots to create contrast with the landscape. Each spot of bright color also creates a focal point for passersby. Hardier varieties of holly will survive in most northern climates and provide local birds with food via their brilliant red berries. Ornamental grasses, shrubs, and groundcovers may be used to provide green coverage. These plants root systems are also quite effective at reducing soil erosion from winter winds.
Prior to planting, DIY landscapers are advised to consult the USDA plant hardiness zones for information on how their plants may fare in the local climate. The plant hardiness zones are a measure of plant survivability at certain minimum winter temperatures. If homeowners desire to utilize plants that are not recommended for their particular hardiness zone, the plants may need to be started indoors and transplanted outside. Landscapers can also choose to turn their homes into interiorscapes for the winter'stable temperatures and humidity levels mean that a much wider spectrum of plants are available for indoor use.
When it comes to pre-winter maintenance, homeowners need to be aware of several causes for concern. Soft, new growth may need to be pruned in order to prevent trees and shrubs from exposing their inner tissues to extreme temperatures. Winter drying from resulting from both gusty winds and low humidity is also an issue. DIY landscapers may wrap delicate plants in burlap or spray them with anti-desiccants. Further moisture loss can take place through the soil, where winds can expose the tops of plants roots and dry them out quite quickly. Preventative mulch and a thorough pre-winter watering can help prevent this.
Tags: winter, landscape, homeowner, hardiness, plant, temperature
