7 Ways to Prepare Your Landscape for Winter

It may feel like summer was over before it even started this year, but fall has officially arrived. For many, that may mean cool weather hikes to enjoy fall color, planning for the upcoming hunting season, or speculating about the approaching ski season. Considering adding one more item to your fall list: preparing your trees and shrubs for the winter. Winters in the mountains can be a challenging time for plants, but there are several things that can be done to improve your chances of success.  

1. LIMIT THE USE OF ICE MELT.
   In situations where it is necessary, consider the proximity to the tree roots, and where the melted ice will end up.  

2. PROTECT PLANTS FROM DEER AND ELK.
   Install fencing or consider treating with an animal repellent product. 

3. PROTECT PLANTS FROM DESICCATION.
   Newly planted evergreens are highly susceptible to drying out during our winter months, anti-desiccation treatments help prevent this issue. 

4. WATER INTO THE FALL.
   Trees heading into winter with dry roots can cause stress, provide occasional deep watering to stressed and/or high value trees until the ground freezes. 

5. PROTECT YOUR TREE TRUNKS.
   Thin barked species of trees are prone to sunscald when exposed to our intense direct sunlight. Wrapping the trunk or strategically planting an evergreen shrub to provide protection. 

6. WATCH WHERE YOU BLOW YOUR SNOW.
   Snow thrown by a snowblower gets compacted and heavy, avoid blowing snow onto branches that may get bent or broken.  

7. CLEAR YOUR ROOF.
   It’s hard to imagine in the summer, but snow can stack up deep on roofs. Make sure your tree limbs have enough room above your roof to prevent them getting frozen in the snow.