Preparing Your Landscape for Winter
Winter preparation protects your landscape investment. In central Washington, where winter brings freezing temperatures and occasional snow, proper preparation ensures your landscape survives winter undamaged and is ready for spring growth. From irrigation winterization to plant protection, comprehensive winter preparation involves several important steps.
At Vita Green, we have been helping homeowners throughout Wenatchee and central Washington prepare their landscapes for winter for over thirty years. Our experience with local winter conditions helps us provide effective preparation that protects landscapes through even the coldest winters.
Understanding Central Washington Winters
Central Washington winters present specific challenges for landscapes. Freezing temperatures can damage irrigation systems, kill tender plants, and cause soil heaving that damages plant roots. Understanding these challenges helps in preparing landscapes effectively.
Our winters typically bring freezing temperatures from late October through March, with occasional periods of extreme cold. Snow is possible but not always consistent, and periods of cold without snow cover can be particularly damaging to plants. These conditions require specific preparation approaches.
The transition from fall to winter is gradual, providing time for proper preparation. However, waiting too long risks having preparation incomplete when freezing temperatures arrive. Beginning winter preparation in early October ensures completion before the first hard freeze.
Irrigation System Winterization
Irrigation system winterization is one of the most critical aspects of winter preparation. Water left in irrigation pipes can freeze and expand, causing pipes to burst, valves to crack, and sprinkler heads to break. This damage can be expensive to repair and may not be discovered until spring.
Professional irrigation winterization involves using compressed air to blow all water from the system. This process, called a blow out, removes water from pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads throughout the entire system. Proper winterization requires specialized equipment and knowledge to ensure complete water removal.
The best time for irrigation winterization in central Washington is typically in early October, before the first hard freeze. Scheduling winterization in advance ensures service before freezing temperatures arrive. Many irrigation companies offer winterization as part of annual maintenance programs that include spring start-up services.
After winterization, irrigation systems remain inactive until spring. If watering is needed during winter or early spring, manual watering with a hose is necessary. Professional spring start-up services reverse the winterization process and prepare systems for the growing season.
Plant Protection Strategies
Many landscape plants in central Washington require protection from winter cold. Tender perennials, newly planted trees and shrubs, and plants in exposed locations may need additional protection to survive winter successfully.
Mulching is one of the most effective plant protection strategies. A layer of mulch around plants insulates roots from temperature extremes, reduces soil heaving, and helps retain soil moisture. Organic mulches like bark chips or straw work well and also improve soil structure as they decompose.
For tender perennials, additional protection may be necessary. Cutting back dead foliage, applying extra mulch, or covering plants with protective materials can help them survive winter. Some plants may need to be moved to protected locations or treated as annuals in our climate.
Newly planted trees and shrubs are particularly vulnerable during their first winter. These plants have not yet developed extensive root systems and may need extra protection. Wrapping trunks, applying extra mulch, and providing wind protection can help new plants survive winter.
Lawn Winter Preparation
Lawns also benefit from winter preparation. The last fertilization of the season, typically applied in late fall, helps lawns store nutrients for winter and promotes early spring green-up. This fall fertilization is important for lawn health and recovery from winter.
Final fall mowing should leave grass at an appropriate height for winter. Cutting grass too short can stress plants and reduce winter hardiness, while leaving it too long can create conditions favorable for snow mold. Most grasses in central Washington benefit from being mowed to normal height before winter.
Removing leaves and debris from lawns before winter helps prevent disease and allows grass to receive light and air. Leaves left on lawns can smother grass and create conditions favorable for disease development. Raking or mulching leaves before winter protects lawn health.
Tree and Shrub Care
Trees and shrubs require specific winter preparation. Pruning dead or damaged branches before winter helps prevent breakage from snow or ice. However, major pruning should typically wait until late winter or early spring when plants are dormant.
Wrapping tree trunks can protect young or thin-barked trees from winter sunscald and frost cracks. This protection is particularly important for newly planted trees that have not yet developed thick bark. Tree wraps should be applied in fall and removed in spring.
For trees and shrubs in exposed locations, wind protection may be necessary. Temporary windbreaks or protective coverings can help prevent winter desiccation. Evergreen plants are particularly susceptible to winter desiccation and may benefit from anti-desiccant sprays.
Perennial Plant Care
Perennial plants require different preparation depending on their hardiness and location. Many perennials in central Washington benefit from being cut back in fall after foliage dies. This cleanup removes potential disease sources and prepares plants for winter.
Some perennials, particularly those with attractive seed heads or winter interest, can be left standing through winter. These plants provide visual interest and food for wildlife during winter months. Deciding which perennials to cut back and which to leave depends on plant type and personal preference.
Dividing perennials is best done in spring or fall, but fall division should be completed early enough for plants to establish before winter. Newly divided perennials may need extra protection during their first winter as they reestablish root systems.
Container Plant Protection
Container plants are particularly vulnerable to winter cold because their roots are exposed to air temperatures rather than being insulated by soil. Protecting container plants requires moving them to protected locations or providing insulation.
Moving containers to protected areas like garages, sheds, or covered patios can protect plants from extreme cold. These locations should provide protection from freezing while allowing some light and air circulation. Some plants may need to be brought indoors for winter.
For containers that must remain outdoors, insulation can help protect roots. Wrapping containers with insulating materials, grouping containers together, or burying containers in soil can provide protection. These methods help moderate temperature extremes that can damage roots.
Water Feature Preparation
Water features require specific winter preparation to prevent damage from freezing. Pumps should be removed and stored for winter, and water should be drained or treated to prevent freezing damage. The specific preparation depends on feature type and design.
For small water features, draining and storing pumps is typically sufficient. Larger features may require more extensive preparation. Professional services can help ensure water features are properly prepared for winter.
Fountains and other features with pumps should have pumps removed before freezing temperatures arrive. Pumps left in freezing water can be damaged by ice expansion. Storing pumps in a protected location ensures they are ready for spring use.
Hardscape Maintenance
Hardscape features like patios, walkways, and retaining walls also benefit from winter preparation. Cleaning and sealing surfaces before winter protects them from freeze-thaw cycles that can cause damage. This preparation extends the life of hardscape investments.
Clearing debris from hardscape surfaces prevents water accumulation that can freeze and cause damage. Ensuring proper drainage helps prevent water from pooling and freezing in ways that could damage hardscape materials.
Inspecting hardscape features for damage before winter allows for repairs that prevent problems from worsening during winter. Cracks or other damage can expand during freeze-thaw cycles, making early repair important.
Professional Winter Preparation Services
Professional winter preparation services can help ensure comprehensive landscape protection. Professional services have the experience and equipment to complete all aspects of winter preparation efficiently and effectively.
At Vita Green, we offer comprehensive winter preparation services that include irrigation winterization, plant protection, and landscape cleanup. Our experienced technicians understand central Washington winter conditions and can provide preparation that protects your landscape investment.
Professional services also provide peace of mind that preparation is complete and correct. The cost of professional winter preparation is typically modest compared to the potential cost of winter damage repairs. This investment protects your landscape and ensures it is ready for spring growth.
Spring Preparation
While preparing for winter, it is also helpful to plan for spring. Scheduling spring services like irrigation start-up, fertilization, and cleanup ensures your landscape receives timely care when the growing season begins. Many landscape companies offer service programs that include both winter preparation and spring start-up.
Planning spring activities during fall preparation helps ensure nothing is overlooked. Making notes about areas that need attention in spring, scheduling services, and preparing for spring growth all contribute to successful landscape management throughout the year.
Conclusion
Proper winter preparation protects your landscape investment and ensures your property is ready for spring growth. From irrigation winterization to plant protection, comprehensive preparation involves several important steps. For homeowners in Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, Chelan, Leavenworth, and throughout central Washington, professional winter preparation services provide peace of mind and protect landscape investments.
If you need help preparing your landscape for winter or would like to learn more about our winter preparation services, contact Vita Green. Our experienced team can provide comprehensive winter preparation that protects your landscape through the coldest months and ensures it is ready for spring. We have been helping central Washington homeowners prepare their landscapes for winter for over thirty years, and we are here to help you protect your investment.