Winter is just around the corner, and we’ve already had multiple nights with freezing temperatures and ice on the roadways. Not far away are frozen rain, snowfall, and ice buildup throughout the landscape. Trees, particularly younger or thin-branched species, face the worst winter has to offer. Limbs and branches build with ice and break off, or heavy, wet snow weighs down the limbs until they snap —it’s just the start of it.
Professional Landscaper Rockland County NY
When winter truly hits, your landscape faces harsh conditions — snow, ice, freezing winds, and road salt. While many property owners think home landscaping takes the winter off, the truth is your yard still needs care to ensure everything comes back healthy in spring. Skipping or forgetting these could lead to unsightly, potentially costly problems you can avoid now.
1. Protect Trees from Heavy Snow and Ice
One of the harshest parts about winter is how the cold weather and frozen moisture can damage trees. Heavy snow or ice accumulation can break branches and stress trunks; limbs that would usually sway under wind or pressure are unable to and splinter or break right off. Homeowners find even seemingly strong trees with sturdy branches toppled over after a major freezing rain, ice storm, or blizzard. Take some steps now, and you can mitigate most of this.
- Prune before winter: Remove weak or damaged branches in late fall.
- Wrap young or delicate trees: Use burlap or tree wrap to shield bark from cracking and frost.
- Gently remove snow: Brush off heavy snow with a broom instead of shaking branches, which can cause breakage.
You’ve watched trees form buds, then bloom, to change color and lose all their leaves. Now, ensure they’ll survive winter so you can enjoy them again through 2026.
2. Shield Shrubs from Road Salt
De-icing salt is one of the biggest culprits of winter plant damage. It burns roots, browns foliage, and eventually kills plants. Municipalities won’t even lay de-icing salt near water tables or important streams, as the ice can kill wildlife and plant roots, and cause damage to pipes and other infrastructure. Taking some steps to shield your plants from the worst of this harsh salt is a must.
- Install barriers: Place burlap screens or snow fencing between shrubs and roads or sidewalks.
- Use plant-friendly de-icers: Choose calcium magnesium acetate or sand instead of rock salt.
- Water in early spring: A deep soak helps flush residual salt from the soil once the ground thaws.
Most homeowners skip these steps, and their plants pay the price. To watch spring come in and not see your shrubs bloom is not a fun experience. So, give them a fighting chance through winter with these simple steps.
3. Prevent Snow Mold on Lawns
Lawns can suffocate under long-term snow cover or poor drainage, especially when it starts to melt. Don’t just snowblow or shovel snow from your driveway into your yard; it can suffocate.
- Avoid piling snow on the grass: Move shoveled snow to paved areas or garden beds instead.
- Keep grass slightly taller: A 2.5–3″ cut before winter insulates roots without matting down.
- Aerate and fertilize in fall: Healthy soil drains better and resists mold growth during freeze-thaw cycles.
It’s a little more “work” now, but it will save you a lot of work come spring.
4. Watch for Freeze-Thaw Damage
Fluctuating winter temperatures cause the ground to expand and contract — potentially pushing plants out of the soil (also happens during fall and spring sometimes).
- Add mulch around plants: A 2–4″ layer of mulch helps regulate soil temperature and moisture.
- Avoid overwatering before a freeze: Wet soil expands more and can lift shallow-rooted plants.
What type of mulch should you be using? Keep it consistent with what you currently have, but consider working with a qualified landscaping company that understands the best dos and don’ts of winter mulching.
5. Plan for Spring Recovery
What you do when winter finally ends can make a big difference in how well your lawn and trees perform during the warm-weather months. If you notice salt-burned grass or shrub tips in early spring, act quickly:
- Rake lightly to remove dead patches.
- Flush the area with water to dilute salt residue.
- Add fresh topsoil and seed where needed.
Professional landscape maintenance during the winter months makes sure your property stays safe, healthy, and ready to bloom come spring.
Doing it all on your own? It’s time to start working with a professional landscaping company in Rockland, NY. We’ve proudly served the area for over 30 years (and counting). Let’s connect!