Tips and Tricks for Frosty Landscaping

You’re probably not surprised that snow is already covering the ground. After all, this is Minnesota. Cold weather takes its toll on a lot of things, including your yard. These tips and tricks for frosty landscaping can help ensure your yard will look its best once the blanket of winter snow is gone for the season.

Lawn

Take care of your lawn this winter by keeping vehicle and foot traffic at bay. Frequent driving or walking on frozen turf can damage the grass’s crown. This is a vital segment of a plant’s design because it’s where growth occurs. Without a healthy crown, the grass can’t grow.

Areas of thick, fallen leaves can also destroy turf crowns if left on the grass throughout winter. As the weather allows, gently rake and remove large piles of leaves to alleviate the potential for them to damage your lawn.

Trees

To help protect your trees from winter weather:

• Lay a thin layer of mulch under the dripline to help reduce water loss and insulate soil and roots from fluctuating temperatures.
• Blanket the trunks with tree wrap to help prevent the bark from cracking under the daytime sun and nighttime cold. Remember to remove the wrap come springtime.
• Use plastic tree guards to deter rabbits and other critters from feasting on and damaging outer and inner tree bark.
• Inspect and trim broken or problematic branches.

Hardscapes

Winter’s idleness provides the perfect opportunity to scan your yard and landscaping for stark spots that may need a little something extra. Notice which areas grab your concentration and consider adding visual attention to those focal points.

Perhaps a statue or stone bench could help accentuate an open space. Maybe adding a trellis or arbor would help highlight your garden or a walkway.

Easy on the salt

When keeping your driveway or sidewalks clear of snow and ice, be careful with ice melt. These products often have a high salt content and can prevent tree roots from absorbing water and nutrients. The salt can also harm your grass, leaving bare spots.

Try using sand or kitty litter or look for ice melt options that contain calcium, potassium, or magnesium chloride.

Whether or not we’re ready, winter conditions have moved in. However, with these tips and tricks for frosty landscaping, you can look forward to the spring thaw and a healthy yard. The experts at JK Landscape Construction are here to help with any questions or concerns or to help you with ideas for your next project. Contact us today.