How to protect plants and trees from winter weather.

With winter here there are some basic steps that can be taken to protect plants and trees from the elements.  Of course this will vary greatly depending what types of plants you are protecting and how they are able to deal with cold, wind, and snow.

For potted plants it’s best to bring them indoors if possible.  Ideally it’s best to put them by a window that allows as much direct sunlight in as possible.  If bringing them inside isn't an option then covering them is the next step.  Temporary greenhouses are ideal but that isn't in the budget or time frame for most people.  The idea is to keep them sheltered as much as possible.

Trees obviously can’t be relocated inside or even covered.  There are some simple tips that will help trees withstand the winter and be ready to thrive when spring rolls around.  The first is to avoid pruning them until they are completely dormant.  If they are pruned to early it will encourage new growth.  The new growth will not be able to withstand the winter and can make the tree more vulnerable.  Spreading a layer of mulch around the base of the tree will also help.  The mulch will act as an insulator and help keep the roots warmer.  Make sure to leave a space around the trunk of the tree to keep rodents away.