As Summer comes to an end, the people of Minnesota know exactly what is right around the corner. We know that Winter weather in this state tends to begin a few months earlier in the year than in many other states. With this in mind, preparations for maintaining yards for the snow and freezing temperatures to come are ideal to consider before it is too late.
While these tips are easy enough for the average homeowner to follow, we provide year-long services to ensure your yard is kept in the appropriate state for the time of year. We know that it can be difficult to decide where to keep plants as well as the types that flourish well during the colder months. We can assist you in planning floral and plant arrangements according to your needs, regardless of the time of year.
How Does the Temperature play a Role in the Appearance of my Plants?
Depending on the type of horticulture you keep displayed in your yard, protection for your flowers and plants may be crucial for their survival past the colder seasons. If cold weather isn’t taken into consideration regarding the upkeep of your plants, they are likely to die. This not only leaves you with a wasted investment, but also looks unappealing to your neighbors and family.
When water and moisture around the plant freezes around them as well as in their roots, it makes them unable to absorb water properly. If you have flowers and shrubs around your yard, it is wise to ensure that they are watered before freezing temperatures set in. This gives them time to absorb the water adequately, meaning they are more likely to thrive.
Keep in mind that some plants are better suited to endure colder conditions than others. Camellias, winter jasmine, and nandina are all relatively easy to care for and are perfect for adding beauty to any yard throughout the frigid autumns and winters. One of the best methods in caring for these types of trouble-free plants is to make sure that they are insulated at their bases.
It may be easier to keep some of your plants in pots. Potted plants can be moved into a greenhouse or inside, and they tend to be easier to maintain since they are not sprouting from the soil in your yard.
Insulation is Key to Protecting Plants
Protection around the soil from which your plants sprout is a great way to ensure two things. For one, the right type of insulation can keep your plants free of unwanted moisture that could potentially destroy its root systems. Secondly, natural insulation can provide them with nutrients. In this sense, the best way to keep the base of your plants warm is using mulch that is tolerant of frosty conditions.
If you want to save some money while utilizing the natural elements of any yard waste, mulch can be made from any fallen leaves as well as yard debris that accumulates throughout the year. This can include branches, leaves, and compost. While these might have no practical use in terms of aesthetic beauty, unneeded plant matter can be beneficial for plants you plan to keep on display.
If you choose to use premade mulch to keep your plants warm and properly nourished, you may also want to consider how you intend to take care of the snow that is sure to fall.
Snowy Conditions: a Necessity or a Burden?
While copious levels of snow are almost guaranteed at least a few times throughout a Minnesota winter, it can be used in a beneficial way. Keeping the cement hardtops around your yard free of snow and ice is a common sense practice that is safe and neighborly to those passing by.
Even though tall piles of snow are likely to accumulate in yard at some point, a little bit of it is actually useful for insulation purposes. If you don’t cover your plants or insulate them at their base, a few inches of snow can be helpful in preventing them from freezing. Some snow in your yard adds to the charm of a typical Minnesota winter, but too much can be problematic and dangerous. We are able to assist you in all aspects of snow and ice removal, regardless of the area around your home and yard where it is needed the most.