25 Nov Ready To Winterize?
The crisp fall air will soon give way to freezing winter nights here on Eastern Long Island; now is the time to prepare our homes to stay warm, safe, and energy-efficient. Coastal winds, variable sea-level humidity, and the potential for nor’easters make winterizing your home more than just turning up the heat.
Seal the Leaks
Air leaks are among the biggest culprits of heat loss. Use caulk and weather-stripping around windows, doors, and any gaps in your home’s exterior. Sealing these leaks can significantly improve your comfort and reduce energy waste. The Long Island Regional Clean Energy Hub recommends these energy-saving steps. Sealing gaps in your home is also a necessary step to keep pests out. As the weather gets colder, pests seek warmth. We can help now by sealing entry points and providing free tick tubes with our monthly tick service.
Mulch for insulation
2-4 inches of mulch around the bases of perennials and shrubs will stabilize soil temperature, protect roots, and help retain moisture through winter.
Clean up outdoor debris
Leaf piles and dead brush provide winter homes for rodents and insects.
Deer damage
As EastEnders, we are well aware of the intense deer population. Using 7–8 ft. deer fencing or wrapping shrubs in burlap can prevent deer damage during winter.
Water before the first freeze
Dry plants suffer more winter damage than hydrated ones. This is especially important in the sandy soils of the East End. Give shrubs, trees, and garden beds a deep watering before the ground freezes.
Wrap fragile plants and outdoor furniture
Wrapping plants, shrubs, and outdoor furniture is one of our services that provides significant protection from the winter. Wrapping plants and shrubs can diminish any damage caused by cold temps, wind damage, and salt spray. Use burlap, frost cloth, or plant domes on shrubs (hydrangeas, figs, rosemary, etc.).
This also goes for your patio furniture. Covers/shrink-wrap prevent moisture and harsh weather from penetrating cushions and frames. It also prevents rust and creates a tight, sealed barrier that helps prevent rodents, insects, and debris from nesting in your furniture. We can do this for you. Give us a call at 631-728-5815.
Move containers to sheltered areas
Any potted plants that can’t withstand freezing temperatures should be brought inside.
Protect young tree trunks
Wrap young trees, such as maple, cherry, and birch, with tree guards to prevent winter sunscald and animal damage (rabbits or deer).
Prune
Now’s the time to remove dead or diseased branches, but avoid heavy pruning—most major pruning should wait until late winter or early spring.
Apply anti-desiccant spray
Salt air and winter winds dehydrate evergreens. Anti-desiccant spray can protect arborvitae, boxwood, and other broadleaf evergreens from turning brown.
See You in December
I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and remember that Fertilawn and HamptonTick.com are at your service year-round. Should you need any of our services, please reach out
Gordon Andrews
Owner