26 Sep It’s Fall, Are You Prepping For Winter?
That may be a reference to Game of Thrones, but it also applies to the rest of us who want healthy and vital plants and trees in the Spring. As winter approaches, we must prepare our plants and trees for the season ahead. If you are closing up your place on the East End, call us. We’ll monitor your property and ensure your plant material is nourished and protected throughout the winter.
Here are some things to consider:
• Look around your property and assess what needs to be done. Remove dead and damaged branches. Do not do heavy pruning or a “hard cut” this time of year. Also, remove spent flowers from perennials.
• Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of plants and trees to insulate roots and retain moisture. Read this person’s whimsical and informative view of how trees prepare for winter. https://www.newyorkalmanack.com/2023/12/how-trees-prepare-for-winter/
• Water trees and shrubs deeply and thoroughly before the ground freezes.
• Wrap tender plants using burlap or other protective fabric to shield them from cold winds. Don’t forget to cover your ground plants and perennials. We use frost cloths or row covers. For more on this, check out Cornell University’s blog on the subject: https://blogs.cornell.edu/ccesuffolkligardening/tag/winter-injury/
• Surface fertilize using a slow-release fertilizer. WARNING: Timing and the correct type of fertilizer are critical here.
NOTE: I recommend deep-root fertilization rather than surface fertilizing. The key nutrients in a deep-root system are nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. We deliver a customized blend of these nutrients based on your plant/tree’s needs directly to the root zone (no runoff to hurt the environment), encouraging a healthier root system and improved resilience to disease, pests, and the winter’s environmental pressures. This targeted approach ensures that every part of the tree/plant receives the necessary elements for growth and resilience. If you’d like to learn more about general safe fertilizing on Long Island, go here: https://dec.ny.gov/nature/waterbodies/oceans-estuaries/linap/initiatives/fertilizer-management Call 631-728-5815 today for a free estimate.
• I often emphasize adding compost or manure this time of year to improve soil fertility.
• Wrapping tree trunks will prevent rodent damage and other environmental issues. If you have young trees, stake them to give them the support they need.
• Patio and container plants should be brought inside or wrapped with burlap to prevent freezing.
• We do a Fall cleanup for our customers to remove debris and leaves, which helps reduce disease and pests.
• Check your gutters and downspouts to ensure drainage is not pooling around your plant roots.
• If heavy snow is expected, consider tying up branches to prevent breakage.
• Weather changes constantly, and it can be helpful to be informed of potentially damaging weather before it arrives. Fertilawn can be your eyes and ears when you’re away.
If you have outdoor patio furniture, outdoor kitchens, grill or barbecue station, children’s swing sets/jungle gyms or any other outdoor items you want to protect from the inclement weather, we offer shrinking wrapping. Protect your investment with our shrink wrapping services.
We are your one-stop, year-round landscape experts. Our mission for our environment and customers has remained the same since I started Fertilawn. Read about us if you’d like: https://fertilawnusa.com/about-fertilawn/
As always, we are here at your service. Contact us, and we’ll be happy to help.
Gordon Andrews
Founder/Owner
Fertilawn