When winter arrives in Memphis, your landscape can suffer if it’s not adequately prepared. While our winters are relatively mild compared to other parts of the country, sudden freezes, and frosts can still wreak havoc on your plants. Winter-proofing your landscape ensures your greenery survives—and thrives—when spring rolls around.
In this blog, our professional lawn care team will share tips on giving your yard the TLC it needs during the colder months.
1. Know Your Plants
Not all plants are created equal when it comes to cold tolerance. Identify which plants in your yard are most vulnerable to frost, such as tropical or newly planted species. For Memphis gardens, hardy options like pansies, ornamental kale, and evergreens are great for enduring winter.
Pro Tip: Invest in frost cloth or burlap to cover sensitive plants when temperatures drop below freezing.
2. Mulch, Mulch, Mulch
A fresh layer of mulch is like a cozy blanket for your plants. It helps insulate roots, retain moisture, and prevent soil erosion during cold spells. Spread 2–3 inches of mulch around your shrubs, trees, and flower beds for maximum protection.
Pro Tip: Choose an organic mulch to enrich your soil as it breaks down over time.
3. Hydrate Before the Freeze
Dry plants are more vulnerable to cold damage. Carefully water your yard before a frost, focusing on the root zones. Moist soil retains heat better than dry soil, offering extra protection against freezing temperatures.
4. Prune Smartly
Winter is the perfect time to prune dormant trees and shrubs, but don’t overdo it! Remove dead or damaged branches to prevent breakage from winter winds, but leave healthy growth intact to shield the plant.
5. Protect Container Plants
Potted plants are especially vulnerable since the ground doesn’t insulate their roots. Move them indoors, into a garage, or closer to your home for warmth. If that’s not possible, wrap pots with burlap or bubble wrap for added insulation.
6. Plan for Frosty Nights
Keep an eye on the weather and prepare for those occasional Memphis frosts. Use frost blankets, bedsheets, or cardboard boxes to cover your plants overnight. Remember to remove coverings in the morning to let your plants soak up the sun.
7. Tidy Up the Yard
Remove fallen leaves, branches, and other debris that can harbor pests or diseases during winter. A clean yard looks great and reduces the risk of problems cropping up in the spring.
Winter-Proof Your Landscape with Green Earth LLC
Prepping your yard for winter doesn’t have to be a hassle. At Green Earth LLC, our Memphis landscaping team specializes in creating resilient landscapes that can handle whatever Mother Nature throws their way. Whether you need help mulching, pruning, or protecting your plants, our team has your outdoor space covered.
Contact us today to schedule your winter landscaping services and keep your Memphis yard looking its best no matter the season! From landscape design and drainage services to tree removal, landscape lighting installation, and irrigation services, landscaping Memphis is our passion!
