Protect your landscape before spring arrives
It might be dormant season for many plants, but midwinter gardening tasks help protect landscapes for a successful spring.
In fact, this is the best time for tree and shrub pruning, because dormant trees are less stressed and the lack of leaves make damaged or diseased limbs and branches easier to find and remove.
"Winter pruning improves the health and form of a tree or shrub," said Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Company in Wheeling. "In addition to ensuring a healthy growing season, pruning also cuts down on the hazards that dead or broken limbs can pose to people or things below."
He suggests talking to an expert if you have any questions about a certain tree or shrub, especially those that might bloom in spring or have a lot of sap.
Bertog offers other suggestions for the seasonal to-do list as a way to break cabin fever and prep for spring and summer:
• Protect tender perennial plants by adding a thin layer of mulch around the crown area. Mulching reduces winter damage and delays the potential emergence of bulbs, something that's quite possible this year due to temperature fluctuations.
• Maintain evergreen health with a few simple steps. Bertog recommends protecting evergreens impacted by moisture loss and salt/calcium de-icing materials by creating a salt "fence" using burlap or similar material. In addition, an anti-desiccant spray such as Transfilm can reduce the water loss of plants and keep them stable until spring.
• Start a lawn and landscape folder or wish list by browsing magazines, catalogs or sites like Pinterest and talking to landscape pros.
"Whether it's the color of your flowers or the addition of a new patio or fire feature, the 'off' season is the time to get an idea of how you want to enjoy your outdoor surroundings and to get started in the plans," Bertog said.
To learn more about winter pruning, protecting plants in winter and planning for spring and summer, visit bertoglanscape.com, email customerservice@bertoglandscape.com or call (847) 279-0028.