Wrapping shrubs is one way to winterize your landscape this November and prepare them for winter weather.
November is the month of the year when the mild temperatures of fall transition into the chilly temperatures of winter. Less sunlight is available each day. The cold temperatures with the decrease in sunlight hours will impact your landscape. Before winter arrives, it’s important to take steps to winterize your landscape this November. This includes cleaning the landscape and providing pre-dormancy care for your turf, trees, and shrubs. Call the lawn and landscape care experts at Scientific Plant Service if you have concerns or questions about your winterization care this month.
Remove Fallen Leaves
By November, any trees near your property will be shedding most of their brightly-colored leaves. Removing these large piles of leaves from your lawn before winter sets in is crucial. Wait until the leaves are dry and remove them by raking or blowing leaves away. Some homeowners discard them altogether while others compost the leaves or turn them into mulch to promote the health of their lawn or garden. However, whole leaves left to sit and decompose on your lawn can thin or kill your lawn once warm weather returns.
Prune Trees and Shrubs
Pruning trees and shrubs is one way to winterize your landscape and ensure some safety for the coldest months. The pruning process minimizes the risk of injury or damage that can result from broken or falling branches caused by winter storms.
Fertilize – With Caution
Plant roots continue to grow throughout the winter, so fertilizing your lawn and plant beds is an essential step to winterize your landscape. If the proper nutrients are provided to your lawn during winter, your landscape should return lush and healthy in the growing season.
Before applying fertilizer, you should conduct a soil test to determine which nutrients are required for optimal health. For most landscapes, only one fertilizer session is needed during November. In Maryland, lawn fertilizer must be applied before November 16.
Add Mulch
When winterizing your landscape, you may want to add mulch to the base of your plants and trees. This helps maintain an even soil temperature, reducing stress on your shrubs and trees. Adding mulch helps conserve water, as it retains moisture. The type of mulch used will influence how much moisture is retained and how well-insulated plants and trees are during the winter.
Wrap Shrubs
If you have vulnerable plants, shrubs, or small trees that may be affected by the cold, we recommend wrapping those plants to keep them insulated during winter. Consult the professionals to determine the best wrapping materials and whether your plants require wrapping. When insulated correctly, vulnerable plants can survive winter without damage.
Scientific Plant Service Is Your Go-To Source In Landscape Healthcare
Scientific Plant Service, located in Baltimore, is a privately owned corporation, chartered in Maryland in 1957 by Frank J. Burke. We started as a full-service Arborists specializing in the care of shade trees and ornamental shrubs, but today we are a Lawn Care company that is a huge part of the community. From aquatic environments and snow management to deer and mole control, SPS has services tailored specifically for your lawn and landscape.
We offer services in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia, including: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Calvert counties in MD, as well as Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church in VA. For more information, contact us online, or call us at 410-321-0970. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.