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Winter weather can take a toll on your landscaping, including the trees, shrubs, and grass. The plants you enjoy throughout the year need additional protection from the extreme temperatures, wind, and precipitation. DRS Lawn & Landscape in Long Valley, NJ, has been the area’s go-to landscape design and architecture company since 1991. Here, they explain the five major landscaping issues many homeowners experience during the winter. 

5 Ways Winter Weather Can Damage Your Landscaping 

1. Temperature Fluctuations 

Plants acclimate to freezing temperatures through gradual exposure to cold. Dormant plants that haven’t fully adapted are at risk if a sudden freeze strikes. Extreme drops in temperature after a mild autumn can injure woody plants by dehydrating them. Also, extended periods of mild or above-average winter temperatures can make plants vulnerable to freezing when the temperature drops again. 

2. Sunscald 

Thin-barked trees are susceptible to sunscald, an elongated canker that forms on the trunk. It typically develops on the south side of trees as a result of direct sun exposure. In winter, this side of the trunk may be up to 20 degrees warmer than the air, which can de-acclimate the trunk tissue. As a result, the bark becomes reddish-brown and rough. Eventually, the callus cracks and falls off, exposing the wood underneath. Other effects include sparse foliage, stem dieback, and stunted growth. 

3. Root Damage 

landscaping Long Valley NJRoot tissue doesn’t acclimate well to temperatures below 15 degrees Fahrenheit, which means below-freezing temperatures can kill or severely injure this part of the tree or shrub. Shallow-rooted plants are particularly vulnerable. Mulch, leaves, and snow cover typically provide sufficient insulation, but some plants benefit from additional coverage. Those affected by root damage may wilt until spring when they will regain strength. 

4. Snow & Ice Breakage 

Ice and heavy snowfall can bend and break branches. Multi-stemmed evergreens such as elm, maple, and birch are the most vulnerable. To protect them before winter hits, a landscaping professional may tie the branches together with a cloth. You can minimize the risk of breakage by gently removing snow from branches before it freezes and sticks to the limbs. Don’t attempt to remove ice from branches, as this could cause more damage. 

5. Girdling 

During prolonged periods of snow and cold, animals may struggle to find food, forcing them to eat bark and roots. In some cases, they eat a strip of bark around the base of the plant, which is known as girdling. This cuts off the plant’s nutrient supply and puts it at risk. Keep animals like rabbits, deer, and rodents away from your plants by weeding frequently, mulching around the tree trunk, and installing chicken wire.

This winter, keep your landscaping healthy and ready for spring with the help of a local landscaper. Morris County residents rely on DRS Lawn & Landscape for expert landscaping and hardscape construction, including seasonal care. Call (908) 879-0600 to schedule service, and visit their website to see their online portfolio. 

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