As the weather gets colder and trees shed their leaves, many people question whether they need to continue to care for their garden and PNW landscape during these cold months. The land seems more barren, and getting outside can feel a little more challenging. The Pacific Northwest does not often see snow, but the temperatures do get very chilly.
Do you Still Need to Take Care of your PNW Landscape in the Winter?
Winter is still a great time to give your PNW landscape a little bit of attention. Here are some good things to be doing for your PNW landscape to keep it in peak condition during the winter in the Pacific Northwest.
Check the forecast
While it is still November before the freezing temps come, it is a good time to see when the thermometer is going to drop. This will help you to protect any plants that may need some preparation for very low temperatures. One great way to help them combat the cold is with extra water. The extra water provides insulation for the roots because wet soil stays warmer than dry soil.
It doesn’t seem like it, as when it rains, the weather is always colder, but water holds heat. This is a major contributing factor to why coastal Washington stays warmer than the inland areas of Washington during the winter. Extra water can help the soil retain moisture and keep plants from completely freezing. You can additionally put covers over plants that need a little extra warmth during this time.
Cut back perennials
Herbaceous perennials die in the late fall in winter, leaving dry brown material on the plant. Now is a good time to cut away the dead parts back to the base of the plant. This will encourage new growth during the spring, and your plants will feel and look healthier than they would if left alone.
Harvest seeds
If you plan on growing plants from seeds, now is the time to harvest your seeds to get them ready to plant into your PNW landscape in the spring. You can also sow a few seeds in the ground now, depending upon the plant. Many plant lovers, however, love to start their seeds indoors and transfer them in the spring.
Pruning
A number of trees and shrubs go dormant during the winter unless they are evergreen. Now is a great time to prune branches as they are easier to see. They can also help to stimulate new growth in the plant. Make sure that if you have never pruned before, to look up some pruning techniques.
Mulch
Adding a layer of mulch in the gardens is a great way to help the soil. Be ready to receive and bring health to plants in the spring. Mulch helps to prevent water runoff during the rainy season, and this water can help to keep plants warmer. Additionally, water staying in the PNW landscape instead of running off will help nutrients to stay in the soil.
Keeping your PNW landscape healthy during the winter may feel like a challenge because getting outside is harder to do in the cold. However, there are many benefits to keeping your PNW landscape protected and cared for during the cold winter months. In addition, making sure that you are getting outside is great for not only your PNW landscape but your health as well. So many times, we can get caught up and want to be cozy and warm, but we also need to make sure to stay physically active and to enjoy fresh air outside. Taking care of your landscape in the winter is a win-win.
If you want to take your yard from great to amazing while involving your family in the process, contact the landscape designers at First Fruits Landscaping. Let’s get started turning your yard into a work of art that not only looks great but also functions well for your lifestyle and provides a pet safe space for your whole family to enjoy. We provide landscaping services in Snohomish County and King County.