Protecting your Perennials, Bushes & Trees for Winter
The Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a harsh winter ahead, but there’s still time to take steps to protect your plantings from winter damage.
Taking good care of your perennial beds now will help them thrive next spring and summer. Carefully cut back perennial stems to 6-8″ from the ground. After the ground freezes, remove old mulch and replace it with hay for insulation.
Your deciduous trees and shrubs (those that lose their leaves in the fall) naturally go dormant in the winter and unless they are newly planted, they should weather the winter with ease. Your newly planted trees and shrubs should be regularly watered until the ground freezes, and a 3-4″ layer of mulch should be applied to its base once the ground freezes.
Your conifers and evergreens will remain green throughout the winter and although their growth slows, they never fully go dormant. If they are located in an exposed, windy area or if they are susceptible to deer, you should protect them by wrapping them with burlap.
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