Whether we like it or not, winter is coming. It is now time to think about closing your yard for the cold season. If most of the plants sold in garden centres are hardy in our climate, i.e. adapted to the cold, some of the more frigid plants will benefit from a good protection during winter, especially if they are positioned in wind corridors. If you want to protect your most fragile plants from the cold, frost, wind and snow, here are some tips.
- Shrubs
Place wooden or metal stakes around the shrub to be protected. Lay a plastic or fabric membrane over the posts, being careful not to touch the branches. Leave the top open to allow heat to escape so as not to overheat the plant. - Trees
Small rodents forage for food during the winter months and food is quite scarce. Protect the bark of your trees with specially designed spirals sold in nurseries. Your trunks will be well protected and your trees will stay healthy. - Evergreens
The weight of the snow can sometimes be very important. If your evergreens are near the eaves and you are afraid that the branches will spread and break, surround them with a protective net that will keep everything in place. - Lawn
Especially on street corners, your lawn can suffer from frost, but also from the effects of de-icing salts and the passage of the snow removal machine. A protective cover can be installed to protect it and facilitate spring cleaning.
Regardless of the type of plant you are protecting, it is important not to install the covers too early in the fall, when temperatures are still too warm. Your plants could suffocate and even die. It is necessary to wait for the first important frosts. Same thing in spring, remove them quickly to avoid problems. You can always put them back on if the cold weather returns!
Pro tips
- Water your conifers abundantly before the frost. This will allow them to build up their reserves to face the harsh winter weather.
- Use the dead leaves on your property to cover the base of your perennials and shrubs. Place a good carpet of leaves of about 10 centimeters at the base of the plants, this will protect the roots from the cold before the snow arrives.
- Except for varieties that are fragile to mildew, keep the leaves, stems and branches of perennials and shrubs until spring. They serve as natural protection.
- In the spring, when the time comes to remove the winter protection, choose a rather cloudy day to avoid shocks to the plants that spent the winter in the shade.
Come see us in store for advice specific to your garden. Our specialists are here to help you protect your plants from cold, wind and snow.
