Is Your Landscape Ready for Winter?

Winter is almost here, which means it’s time to consider a fresh look and prepare your landscape for the colder weather. Setting up your garden and outdoor spaces for winter isn’t just about survival; it creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that highlights the season’s charm.

From strategic transplanting to winter decor and holiday lighting, here’s how to make the most of winter’s unique landscaping opportunities – and why partnering with a professional like LaurelRock can help ensure your landscape shines year-round.

Why Late Fall Is Ideal for Transplanting

Late fall and early winter are fantastic times for transplanting many plants. Cooler temperatures reduce plant stress, and the soil is warm enough to encourage root growth allowing the plants to establish a foothold without the intense demands of summer.

During this time of year, plants enter dormancy, which means they’re slowing down their above-ground growth and redirecting energy into root development. By moving plants now, you’re setting them up for success come spring, when they’ll be better prepared to handle the rapid growth of the warmer months.

Here’s how you can make sure your transplants thrive in their new winter homes:

1. Prepare a Spacious Hole: Make the planting hole wide – about 18-24” wider than the size of the root ball. Avoid adding peat moss but feel free to mix in some compost if the soil is excessively rocky or tight. Research shows roots do better expanding into native soil that has not been heavily amended.
2. Set the Right Depth: Place the plant in the hole at the same depth it was previously growing, or slightly higher.  Do not loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole to avoid future settling. When transplanting trees, be sure not to bury the root flare on the trunk.
3. Tamp the Soil and Water Thoroughly: Lightly step on the soil around the roots to eliminate air pockets, which can cause roots to dry out. Water deeply after transplanting to ensure soil-to-root contact.
4. Insulate with Mulch: A layer of organic mulch – shredded leaves, bark, or straw – around the plant’s base keeps soil temperature steady, conserves moisture, and protects roots from extreme cold. Be sure to water plants occasionally throughout winter if the soil dries out.

Transplanting in the late fall offers benefits not only for your plants but also for you. With softer ground from autumn rains and plants naturally slowing down for dormancy, winter is an optimal time to move your favorite shrubs, perennials, and small trees.

With a little preparation, you’ll set the stage for big, vibrant growth when spring arrives.

Give Your Yard a Cozy Winter Makeover

Winter doesn’t have to mean a dreary outdoor space. By incorporating winter decor and lighting, you can keep your landscape vibrant and festive all season long.

Here are some seasonal touches that can bring warmth to your home’s exterior:

• Late Fall Planters: Refresh your containers with cold-hardy plants like grasses, heuchera, and ornamental cabbages. These plants add color and texture to your entrances and patios, typically lasting through the first few frosts.
• Winter Arrangements: Fill outdoor pots with lush evergreens, such as Cedar, Fir, and Holly. A few sprigs of Winterberry create a classic winter look.
• Natural Accents: Rustic wreaths, pinecones, and garlands bring seasonal charm to fences, doors, and gates. These accents add an organic touch that’s warm and inviting.
• Outdoor Lighting: Shorter days make outdoor lighting even more important. Illuminate walkways, trees, or entryways with soft LED lights for a cozy, festive glow.
• Seasonal Wreaths: Hang a wreath made of Magnolia, berries, or Eucalyptus on your front door or as an accent on garden gates for an instant touch of winter charm.

Protect Your Landscape

Winter’s cold can be hard on certain plants, but with a few precautions, you can help them weather the season.

Protect Delicate Plants. Wrap sensitive plants in burlap or frost cloth to shield them from harsh winds and heavy snow.

Apply Antidesiccant. Spray evergreen shrubs with an antidesiccant which leaves a clear coating on the leaves to protect them from water loss during winter months.

Winterize Your Irrigation System. Before a hard freeze, ensure your irrigation system is winterized to avoid pipe and valve damage.

Bring the Warmth and Beauty of the Holidays into Your Home

Looking to create a warm, inviting winter scene for your home? Let LaurelRock bring your vision to life with custom decor. Our services include:

• Handcrafted Wreaths and Garlands: Fresh greens, pinecones, and ornaments create a beautiful, timeless holiday display.
• Illuminated Outdoor Displays: Festive lighting brings a magical glow to your exterior, keeping it warm and inviting even on the darkest days.
• Seasonal Planters and Winter Arrangements: Add decorative planters filled with birch branches and seasonal accents to your entryways.
• Holiday Interiors: From stunning mantels to indoor trees and poinsettias, bring the holiday spirit inside with our custom decor services.

Ready to Create Your Winter Landscape?

Whether you’re working with winter to set the stage for a vibrant spring, or using holiday lights and arrangements to brighten even the darkest days – our team is ready to create a look you’ll love coming home to all season long. Reach out today to bring your vision to life!