East Tennessee is an incredible place to be a homeowner. Full of incredible beauty and history, towns such as Elizabethton, Johnson City, and Kingsport are all places to be proud of calling home. With nearby Watauga River, Holston Mountain, and the Doe River, there are plenty of things to do outdoors.
However, wintertime is on the way, and before you know it, cold, wet, East Tennessee weather will be wreaking havoc on your beautiful landscaping. Taking care of your landscaping in winter is not nearly as demanding as the warmer seasons, but when done right, solid winter landscaping can take your property’s curb appeal to eleven.
Nine of the Best Winter Landscaping Tips
1. Know Your Zone
Knowing what USDA Plant Hardiness Zone you are in is the first step in knowing exactly what to do to maintain your landscaping; East Tennessee is in zone 7A. Gardeners in this zone can add “four seasons” plants like conifers, rhododendron, lavender, and more.
If you are looking for evergreen vines to spice up your landscaping, try crossvine and winter jasmine. Year-round plants for landscaping may also include plants with berries such as holly and barberry. Weeping trees and grasses can also be used to accent your yard.
2. Cut Grass Shorter Than Usual
During the warmer seasons, your grass should be cut down between 3 and 3.5 inches. Cutting your grass shorter than usual as you head into winter will help reduce frostbite and snow mold, protecting any new growth.
By cutting your grass an inch or two shorter than usual, you can also prevent mice and other rodents from digging nests in your grass.
3. Rake Leaves and Debris
Raking leaves and debris should not stop in the fall. Plant debris and leaves will continue to build up, which mixes with the snow. This can create an environment conducive to mold and fungus, which could potentially damage your grass.
By raking leaves and debris as they build up, you can prevent quite a bit of damage to your yard. You can also use some of this debris as mulch for your garden!
4. Mulching Gardens and Around Trees
Laying down mulch is a great tool to prevent the freeze-thaw cycle that can choke out your plants and leave a muddy mess. Apply three to four inches of mulch after freezing temperatures begin. Some of the best mulches to use are shredded bark or straw.
5. Wrap Up Young Plants
Newly planted plants are susceptible to frost and sunscald, especially when they have softer bark. Young plants are also targets for rodents and other pests who love to feast on the soft bark beneath the snow. Wrap your young trees and shrubs with burlap or corrugated tubes to keep them warm and protected. Do not remove it until the tree begins to wake up from dormancy in the early spring.
6. Cover and Protect Roses
Winter protection is super important for most garden roses. The point of covering roses is to keep the plant uniformly cold so that the plant tissue doesn't freeze and thaw.
After the first frost, secure the canes of your rose bush to some sort of support and wrap in burlap. For extra protection, mound up an additional 12” of soil around the base of the plant.
7. Prune Bushes and Trees
Late winter, when most plants are dormant, is the absolute best time to prune trees and bushes. Pruning before spring growth will leave fresh wounds exposed for the shortest amount of time. If you prune too early, incisions can dry out, slowing growth.
Unwanted branches and dead and diseased branches should be taken care of first, and then remove overgrown areas to increase light to underserved areas of the shrub or tree.
8. Seal Concrete
Most damages to concrete driveways and walkways occur during harsh winter months. Moisture may find its way into the pores of the concrete, which can cause problems such as cracking during freeze-thaw cycles.
Having a professional concrete sealer seal concrete areas around your house will ensure that moisture stays out, help prevent water damage, and protect your investment.
9. Pressure Wash
Pressure washing your hard surfaces not only provides protection by removing dirt and potential for mold but also up the curb appeal of your property. By prepping your home for winter with a quality pressure washing job, you can:
- Rid your walkways and driveway of stains from salt and other ice-melting products
- Clear grit and dirt from bricks and stonework
- Polish up patio areas that may have been forgotten
To learn more, check out our blog, Six Tips for Preparing Your Home for Winter
Winter landscaping is an important part of keeping your property aesthetics looking polished. Cates Pressure Washing can help you make that happen by taking off some of the load of winter landscaping by cleaning off your home's surfaces.
Cates Pressure Washing has over 20 years of experience in East Tennessee, specializing in residential pressure washing, deck cleaning, concrete sealing, and more.
Contact the team at Cates Pressure Washing today for more information on how to best prepare your brick/stonework, driveway, sidewalks, and deck work for the long winter ahead.