Promote a Healthy Landscape This Winter

Winter is the optimal time to cut back overgrown shrubs, prune perennial hedges, remove damaged tree branches, and trim ornamental grasses. Shrubs and hedges will leaf out more quickly in the spring if you do hard pruning this time of year. Tree branches damaged by winter weather like ice storms are more prone to insect and disease infestations, but proper care can help trees repair themselves. Use of a pruning saw is recommended. To help prevent damage to trees from heavy snow in the winter, brush snow from weighted-down branches instead of shaking. Perennial grasses should be cut at the ground. Homeowners can make this task easier by using a hedge trimmer.

It is extremely important not to leave debris and leaves on your lawn over the winter. Doing so can smother the grass, create disease conditions, and invite insects, mice and other damaging pests. After cutting your grass a final time in the fall, clear your lawn thoroughly with a blower. Piling snow on grass for long periods of time can also damage it, and snow piles may starve nearby plants of oxygen. Prompt removal of snow from sensitive growing areas like flower beds is also recommended. Adding mulch around trees, plants and shrubs can also add extra protection in winter. Mulching controls erosion and loss of water. A two-inch layer of mulch will reduce water loss and help maintain uniform soil temperature around roots.

As spring nears, turn your attention to prepping and planting beds. Check first planting timing recommendations for your area before you begin. To prep beds, you should first define the edges by hard edging with a bed redefiner, followed by a perimeter pass with a lawn mower along the edge, followed by line trimming for a clean, crisp finish. Finally, install your bulbs for spring. For ideal results, the bulbs should be planted in a well-draining, elevated planting bed.

Taking care of servicing your outdoor power equipment in the offseason gets you ready to go in the spring. Your dealer will also be less busy during this time, eliminating some of the wait for service. Having your lawn mower blades sharpened, changing air filters and spark plugs on other equipment, and storing your equipment properly is all a good idea during winter. STIHL recommends storing your tools such as chainsaws, blowers and trimmers with STIHL MotoMix® Premixed Fuel, a stable, ethanol-free, high-performance fuel that’s ideal for occasional use over the long winter months. Also, never leave your tools outside and exposed to the weather, especially in the winter.