The ground is frozen now, we have a decent amount of snow, and all of your plants should be snoozing nicely. However, winter brings its own special problems to the forefront.

Mulching - Some background: A plant's ability to withstand cold temperatures depends on the plant species, and how low and how fast temperatures decrease. When temperatures gradually decrease, a plant can acclimate, or adjust itself, to withstand colder temperatures better. Sudden decreases in temperature cause more damage in fall or early winter than similar low temperatures well into winter. If temperatures increase during the winter months, some plants may break dormancy, or deacclimate, and begin leafing out or even flowering. Plants that break bud dormancy become more susceptible to late frost because of their new, tender growth. So, the idea with mulching is to keep newly transplanted plants cold and well insulated until it is time for them to wake up. A good amount of snow cover is actually good for them. Repeated freezing and thawing leads to frost upheaval which can be severe and damaging. If you are concerned, go out and put some more branches from your Christmas tree over your lovelies.

Drying winter winds - Windy conditions cause plant damage by desiccation, or the drying out of the plant. Marginal, or leaf-tip, burn or totally brown leaves in severe cases characterize desiccation. Desiccation occurs when a plant loses more water than it absorbs, or takes up, by the roots, especially when the ground is frozen. Needled evergreens and broadleaf types like rhododendrons are particularly vulnerable to desiccation and winterburn. So, the idea here is to make sure our plants are well-watered before the ground freezes and offer protection if needed. 

Plants and site selection - Proper selection of plants for our area is key, but sometimes there are microclimates on our properties where we can get away with placing somewhat less-hardy plants. Being aware of elevation, soil properties, canopy cover, proximity of structures or other plants, and covering or placing in a protected building over the winter will be helpful.

Ice storm damage - This can, and does happen. Generally, deciduous trees will exhibit more damage than conifers. However, some, like birches, will usually take an ice storm in stride, bowing almost to the ground and then recovering after the event without any intervention. Firs and spruces, with branches that are flexible and mainly downward sloping to shed the snow, also tend to fare quite well. If their branches flow to the ground, each branch will help support the others above. If the branches are trimmed up high, then all bets are off. Younger trees, native trees, and properly pruned and maintained trees will emerge with less damage.

Critter damage - Deer, rabbits, mice, moles, voles, what have you - they are hungry in the winter. Take a walk outside and check your plants. Telltale tracks and bite marks will tell you that you need to keep up with or place some effective deterrents. We've got Plantskydd at the nursery.

Pruning - Generally, if you and your pruners can stand the cold, then so can the trees. Late winter, before the trees bud out or start their growth, is usually the best time. However, if you start some pruning work, be aware that pruning causes about a 10 day period of cold sensitivity and big cuts and branch tip cuts on young trees are the most hazardous for damage. Keep your eye on the forecast and if quickly plunging cold temperatures are predicted, then stop pruning at least 5 days prior to intense cold. Do you think this tree needs a little pruning?

1. You may submit up to 3 pictures.
2. All images must be in digital format only, jpg preferred, and more than 1MB, but less than 5MB in size.
3. All images must be emailed to sales@orientalgardensupply.com with the subject line "Photo Contest." No prints or CDs will be accepted.
4. Please include some information about the plant(s), including name and cultivar and, if known, age or when it was purchased. 
5. Amateur photographers only.
6. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 pictures and will be announced in our Spring 2014 Newsletter.