Many homeowners love the look a beautiful garden in the spring and 
summer. But your home’s garden can be severely damaged by winter weather, leaving it an ugly mess afterward. However, you can prevent winter damage by winterizing your garden.
During the winter, many plants go dormant to protect themselves from the elements of winter weather. During the fall, plants will turn their energy from reproducing to the hardening stage. Hardening their tissues is what protects them during cold weather. In some areas of the country, warm spells pop in and disrupt the cycle by thawing and then freezing again later. Two common problems with keeping your foliage healthy are winter burn and sunscald.
Here are some tips for winterizing your homes garden:
· To help prevent damage caused by snow falling from your homes eaves, divert ice and snow loads away from your shrubs with water diverters. Wires placed on the roof are also a big help in melting snow slowly.
· In case of heavy snowfall, gently remove snow from trees and hedges with a broom handle; shovels will cause damage. Gently push upward on the foliage.
· Never pile snow near your shrubs or tress when scraping your driveway. And, be careful of salt from roadways. Salt burns plants and kills the roots.
· Snow is a natural and great insulator. So, let it pile up around your plants as long as it’s not crushing them or putting too much weight on weak branches.
· Newly planted trees should be tied and staked off during the winter. Be sure to remove the ties and steaks in the spring.
· Add lots of mulch to new shrubs and trees. A three inch layer should protect the plants.
· Winterize your hydrangeas and plants like them by wrapping them in burlap. Place four to six stakes around the plant then wrap the stakes with the burlap. Secure the burlap to the stakes using staples or nails. No need to cover the top.
· Trees with heavy snow fall can be shaken using nylon straps to release snow buildup.
· Wrap tree trunks of young trees with a tree wrap for added protection. Tree wrap can be found at any garden center.
These tips are great for the new homeowner or first-time gardener. Following these simple tips should help your home have a beautiful and healthy garden come spring.
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Jackson, Mississippi Real Estate
