A Clean Landscape in Winter Means a Healthier Landscape in Spring

The roots of trees, shrubs and perennials extend far into the Earth. This protects the plant from freezing as it releases water from its cells, through the roots and into the soil.

Root cells contain concentrations of sugars and salts, which act as a sort of antifreeze. This and the water in the surrounding soil protects roots while feeding the plant as it waits for spring's signals to emerge.

Winter months - especially those with warmer days - are ideal for pruning most trees and shrubs. Dormant pruning benefits plant health as well as aesthetics. For starters, it's easier to see the "bones" or structure of the plant because it's no longer producing leaves and flowers. If a tree or shrub looks shaggy or overgrown for the space, dormant pruning reshapes the plant and reduces its height and width.

You can also more easily see where suckers and water-sprouts are and identify clusters of crossed branches and dead wood. Removing these helps rejuvenate the plant and sends nutrients to the roots, where they are most needed to maintain plant health and vitality. Evergreens like arborvitae and boxwood do not go fully dormant in winter, so address issues such as winter burn early in the spring.

Dormant pruning also helps plants by making them less vulnerable to diseases when temperatures warm and insects emerge. It reduces sap loss, which can otherwise stress the tree, and supports new growth in spring. A clean landscape in winter means a healthier landscape in spring.

For information about lawn, garden and landscape care, visit Bertog Landscape Co. online at www.bertoglandscape.com. Send your questions to customerservice@bertoglandscape.com.

About Bertog Landscape Co.:

Bertog Landscape Co. is a full-service landscape design, landscape construction and landscape maintenance firm in Wheeling, Illinois. The company's suite of services also includes commercial snow plowing and removal, irrigation and low-voltage lighting installation.