How to care for your trees and shrubs in winter The cold weather has arrived and the nights are drawing in. Winter can be hard on some plants and there are a few things you can do to ensure they survive throughout this season. So how do you continue to maintain and care for your trees and shrubs during the colder months? Trees and shrubs care guide Take a look at our winter care guide to help your plants continue to survive through the winter season. When to water your plants During the winter months, deciduous plants (ones that lose their leaves) are dormant (not dead), which means if there are times without much rain they will still need watering. An important point to remember is that even if it has rained, the water doesn’t always get where it needs to be so it’s worth checking if the water has reached the root of the plant. This will give them a better chance of surviving the winter. Choose hardy trees and shrubs Choosing trees and shrubs that are hardy and can survive cold winters. It will also mean they require little care and maintenance over the winter months meaning they are easy plants to keep during this season. If you experience snow then make sure you don’t leave the snow to sit on hedges or trees as this can cause branches to break. Pruning hedges will also minimise snow damage and other wind-related issues. Some good examples of hardy trees and shrubs include: Yew Trees when planted in the right location can withstand the cold without protection. Just be sure to check they don’t experience winter burn. Cedar of Lebanon doesn’t tend to lose their leaves in winter and can adapt to the cold weather. A hardy shrub would be Escallonia Plant these are frost hardy so perfect for the cold British weather. Take a look at our blog on preparing your garden for winter for more advice. Pruning trees Discover the best time to prune your winter trees – yes, there are certain times when you should consider pruning your trees in winter to avoid causing damage to them. – Prune on a milder day so it’s not too cold this can help prevent the spreading of waterborne plant diseases or damage. – Try to prune later in the winter. It’s easier to see what you are doing when the plants don’t have their leaves. Great plants to prune are beech, hazel, and roses. – Acer and Betula to be pruned before the end of the year to avoid bleeding of sap. – Remove diseased branches to help maintain the health of the tree or shrub. – Tie wall shrubs and climbers to protect them from strong winds. – Avoid pruning evergreens and tender plants as these are best left until Spring. Plants such as ornamental cherries, plum trees, and other similar species shouldn’t be pruned in autumn or winter as this can increase the risk of silver leaf disease. Protect newly planted trees and shrubs Improving shelter, mulching, wrapping necessary plants, and taking into consideration the requirements of your plants to understand what extra precautions you need to take to make sure they survive the winter. Protect any newly planted trees and shrubs from cold winds and frosts. Thick dry mulches will help to protect the roots from the colder weather and branches you can cover over with covers. It’s also important to remember that tender trees such as citrus trees need to be brought in over winter and kept in warmer environments like a conservatory. We stock a large variety of citrus trees for sale which all come with a useful care guide. Planting in sheltered areas Planting trees or shrubs that need more protection over winter in sheltered areas can help them to survive the wind, rain, and frosts. There are certain shrubs, trees, and flowers that are less hardy so would benefit more from being positioned in a sheltered area. Wind and rain can cause issues for our gardens over winter therefore you need to consider what plants should be planted where. We also have fleece coats which are great for less hardy trees that can stay outside but need that bit of protection from the harsh weather. These are also great for protecting from birds and bests and still allow sunlight and moisture through to maintain good growing conditions. Organising your garden so it’s easier to manage and maintain your garden trees and shrubs. Preparing your garden for winter will ensure all the plants you have planted survive even if they aren’t hardy. Taking these tips into consideration will lead to a successful spring and summer where all your hard work will have paid off and you can reap the benefits of your beautiful garden. Evergreen trees and shrubs are generally hardier and a great option to keep over winter as they can withstand cold winds and frosts. For more advice on how to care for your trees and shrubs over winter or which hardy plants to choose contact our experts. BACK TO ARTICLES
