Ohio winters can be quite harsh. Trees and shrubs face a range of threats including cold, dry winds that dry out the trees, heavy snow that breaks branches and limbs, and freezing temperatures that burn plants’ leaves. Luckily, these can all be prevented with the right planning and effort.

Newly planted shrubs and trees should be protected the first few winters until they are well-established and can survive on their own. Less-hardy plants and potted plants may need protection every winter. Here are some tips on how to help your plants flourish in the cold, from Five Seasons Landscape Management.

Protect your plants with burlap.

Burlap is a popular product used to protect small trees, shrubs and potted plants from winter frost, snow and ice. It’s more effective than plastic because it allows the plants to breathe and the air inside to circulate, which prevents heat from getting trapped. Burlap is also eco-friendly, biodegradable, strong and affordable.

Where to buy burlap for plants

Burlap can be purchased as bags, blankets or fabric rolls. You can find burlap at home improvement stores like Lowes, big box stores like Walmart, and local fabric or craft stores. Natural burlap sold on rolls comes in different lengths and is easy to cut to size.

How to use burlap to protect plants

You can use stakes to set up burlap as a windbreak or wrap the plants with burlap, securing it with twine. Since these methods are so common among gardeners and landscapers, there are many instructional videos online you can view to help.

Winter mulching for plant protection

Mulching is one of the best lines of defense against cold winter temperatures. Whether you prefer traditional bark mulch, pine needles, straw or leaves, timing is everything. After applying the mulch three to four inches thick, pull some away from the trunks and stems of your plants so they can breathe.

When is the best time to apply mulch in fall?

Winter mulching is different from mulching in the spring and summer. When mulching for winter protection, it’s important not to mulch too soon. The best time is after the ground starts to freeze but before the first big snowfall. In Ohio, this usually occurs in November.

Why is winter mulching important?

The goal of winter mulching is to keep the ground around your plants frozen so the plants remain dormant. The thick layers of mulch protect the ground from the warmth of the sun. In addition, winter mulching helps conserve the water in your soil, so make sure you keep watering until the first major frost.

Salt can damage plants in winter

Did you know that salt and other de-icing products applied to the streets in winter can damage trees and shrubs? In fact, it can even kill them. Sure, it’s cheap and easy to apply, but rock salt is a concentrated and corrosive material that not only hurts your plants, it can also damage your driveway and burn your pet’s paws.

3 ways to protect your trees and shrubs from salt

You can’t control what your city uses to keep the roads clear and dry, but you can try to reduce or avoid the damaging effects.

1. Don’t use salt
   If you have plants near your driveway or walkways don’t use salt to melt the snow and ice. Worried about slipping? There are alternative and eco-friendly products you can use such as sand, gravel, birdseed and kitty litter.
2. Clear away snow piles
   Snow plows usually leave behind large piles of snow and chunks of ice at the end of driveways or on tree lawns that contains salt and other de-icing products. Make sure to clear this tainted snow away from your plants for added protection.
3. Put up barriers
   If you have trees or shrubs near the road or alongside your driveway, put up plastic fencing, snow fencing or burlap barriers to keep salt spray away from plants. Once spring comes around, flush the surrounding soil with water to push residual salt beyond your trees’ root zones.

Whether you use burlap, mulch or other protective measures, taking the time to prepare your trees, shrubs and plants for winter is worth the effort. Looking for more tips? In a previous article we discussed four ways to protect your plants from winter damage. If you have any questions, please contact Five Seasons Landscape Management. We provide commercial and residential landscape services and have experts on staff who can help!

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Many arborists and landscapers agree that planting trees in fall is better than in spring. Why? One reason is that in the fall trees can establish new root systems easier because they don’t have to share water and other nutrients with their leaves. Plus, their roots grow better in the cooler soil temperatures.

The fall planting season in Ohio begins in early September and runs through November. In a previous blog, we discussed how fall temperatures and conditions are optimal for trees. Here are some professional landscaping tips from Five Seasons Landscape Management that confirm why fall is a great season for planting trees.

4 advantages of planting trees in the fall:

1. Transpiration is low
   Transpiration is the process of water movement through a plant. Low transpiration in the cooler months of fall allow plants to conserve more water than in warmer months.
2. Root generation is high
   There is a high potential for root generation in fall so plants can anchor into the ground and absorb water from the soil easier.
3. No damaging heat
   The moderate to cool fall temperatures won’t damage plants like hot weather can.
4. More time to establish roots
   Planting in the fall gives plants three seasons to develop their roots before the hot, stressful summer comes along.

Which trees grow best in Ohio?

With so many trees to choose from, how do you know which type is best for your yard? From fruit trees to flowering trees, the Midwest provides the perfect climate for many tree varieties to thrive. Here are some examples of trees that are easy to grow and maintain in Ohio.

What are the best fruit trees to plant in fall?

Wouldn’t it be great to walk into your backyard and pick a crisp, delicious apple from your very own apple tree? How about a peach, nectarine or plum? Some fruit trees only produce fruit in spring and summer while others may produce fruit all year long.

• Apple Trees
  You may not get any fruit the first year and only small apples the second and third years, but mature fruit will appear as the trees age and keep growing for years to come. Try planting different varieties, like red and golden delicious.
• Peach and Nectarine Trees
  Like apple trees, peach and nectarine trees may not bear fruit in the first few years. To speed things up a bit, keep in mind that transplanted trees will grow better than if you start from seed.
• Plum Trees
  Plums vary in color and size, but generally the flavor is sweet. The Superior plum tree and the Green Gage plum trees are cold hardy and productive. The American plum tree can reach 20 feet high by 25 feet wide so make sure to plant it where it has room to grow.

Which flowering trees grow best in the Midwest?

White, pink or red blooms add beauty and drama to any landscape. Spring-flowering trees come in many sizes, from dwarf ornamental trees to tall and sturdy shade trees. Here are some popular flowering trees to consider adding to your landscape.

• Dogwood Trees
  Flowering Dogwood is one of the most favorable ornamental trees in Ohio because it looks great during all four seasons. Flowers bloom in early spring, crimson foliage emerges in fall, and large floral buds round out the winter.
• Crabapple Trees
  Whether they’re wild or sweet, crabapple trees are present all over Ohio. With fragrant white/pink blossoms, the fruit may be bitter on its own but can make delicious jellies and jams.
• Japanese Kwanzan Cherry Trees
  Kwanzan flowering cherry trees are covered in vibrant red flower buds that bloom into double pink flowers in early spring and maintain a good fall color with orange leaves and a smooth red bark.

They can grow to be quite tall, providing welcoming shade in warmer months.

Benefits of planting trees

There are many benefits of planting trees. Shade trees, for example, help reduce your home’s cooling costs, reduce soil erosion in your yard and increase your home’s curb appeal. Fruit trees are not only beautiful, they’re also delicious.

Planting trees in fall, rather than spring, gives them more time to get settled and establish their root systems before the hot and harsh summer temperatures come along. Contact Five Seasons Landscape Management if you have any questions or need help deciding which type of tree is right for you and your yard. Once planted, our professional tree care services ensure your trees stay healthy and reach their full potential.

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But wait. Why does one tree look small and puny and another has no leaves? What am I doing wrong?

You don’t have to have a degree in horticulture to grow healthy, strong trees or understand the tell-tale signs that a tree may be dying or (yikes) already dead.

Here are some tips on growing healthy trees faster and knowing when it’s time to remove a dead tree.

How can I make my trees grow faster?

The first step, of course, is to plant a tree, but then you need to make sure you care for the tree properly to give it the best chance of growing big and strong.

Here are 3 tips to help your new trees grow faster so you can enjoy their shade and beauty sooner:

1. Stop hitting your trees.
   Like us, trees are living organisms; any time the bark of a tree is injured it affects the tree’s health. Every time you (accidentally) nick a tree with a lawn mower, edger or weed whacker, the open wounds become tempting entranceways for infectious pathogens.
2. Give your trees space.
   When planting trees, make sure to dig out at least three feet away from the trunk. This ensures the tree’s plant neighbors can’t steal away the essential nutrients its roots need to grow. And add some mulch to create a protective boundary to help prevent #1 from happening.
3. Root, root, root for your tree.
   To grow big and strong, trees need healthy root systems to pull in water and nutrients from the soil. This means you need good soil. If the dirt around your tree is rock hard or poor quality, loosen it up and mix in some compost, mulched leaves or coffee grounds.

As a bonus, encourage root growth by applying a fertilizer that contains a root stimulator hormone to give your trees that extra “boost” they need to flourish.

So now you have the know-how to grow beautiful, healthy new trees, but what about the old ones that have seen better days?

How can I tell if my tree is dead or dying?

Just because a tree has little to no leaves does not necessarily mean it is dying.

Here are 4 quick and easy tests you can go today to help determine if your tree is dead:

1. Bend Test: Find a few small branches on the tree and bend them. If they snap quickly, without first bending, the branches are dead.
2. Scratch Test: Scratch off a small section of the outer layer of bark from the trunk of the tree. If there is a green layer underneath, the tree is still alive; if it’s brown and dry, it’s dead.
3. Trunk Damage: As trees age, their bark should continue to replenish itself, with new layers replacing old ones. If the trunk of your tree has sections where there is no bark, this may indicate your tree is dying.
4. Fungus Growth: If your tree has large fungus growing on the trunk, it may be a sign of internal rot.

Can a tree with multiple trunks have only one dead section?

Yes. Trees with many trunks, like Crape Myrtle or River Birch, may have one trunk die while the others remain healthy. In this case, remove the dead sections of the tree without cutting into the healthy trunks.

Why is it important to remove dead trees?

If a tree is dying or dead it is more likely to fall over during a storm or in strong wind. Depending on the size of the tree, it could cause extensive damage to the surrounding area.
removing dead trees

What happens if I ignore a dead or dying tree?

If you are aware of a dead tree on your property and you choose to look the other way, things will only get worse over time. It’s especially important to remove dead trees ASAP if they have any chance of damaging a neighbor’s property. Keep in mind, dead branches can fall without warning.

How can I tell if my tree is diseased or dead?

Diseases can negatively impact trees and eventually kill them. Sometimes you can remove the diseased section of a tree and try to save it. Root rot is a common tree disease that is difficult to detect. Without substantial roots to hold it in the ground, a tree can fall without warning or blow over in a strong wind.

How to identify tree disease

Look for light brown spots of dead tissue on the leaves, deep cracks in the bark of the tree or indents on branches, fungal growth, wilted yellow leaves, or small black spots on leaves. If you think your tree is in trouble, it’s best to consult with a tree expert.

Tree maintenance is a landscape service Five Seasons Landscape Management offers to Columbus, Ohio, residential and commercial properties. If you want a professional opinion about growing your trees, determining if a tree is dead or dying, or you need tree removal services, contact us today.

The post Tips on Growing New Trees and Removing Dead Trees appeared first on Five Seasons Landscape.

Spring and summer aren’t the only times of the year to get growing. Did you know that fall is actually an excellent time to plant trees and shrubs? Believe it. Read on to find out how you can get your green thumb on in your garden this season.

Why fall is the best time to plant

Fall Temperatures and Conditions Are Optimal For Trees and Shrubs

Many envision spring and summer as an optimal time to plant trees and shrubs, but fall is an excellent time for several reasons. First, fall planting encourages good root growth and encourages root systems to grow deep before the parching summer heat returns. With more focus on root growth, trees and shrubs will be ready to put on top growth in the spring. When planted in spring or summer, it can sometimes take up to an entire year to see the same kind of growth. Root development is especially important because trees and shrubs store water and nutrients in roots when they go dormant for the winter.

Fall weather is often cooler and wetter compared to other seasons, which also encourages growth and lets you take it easy when it comes to watering maintenance. Not only is soil wetter from fall weather, but it also stays warm for quite a while before winter sets in, compared to spring weather that is unpredictable and can make working in soil difficult.

Another benefit of planting trees and shrubs in fall? Less pest and disease problems. With cooler temperatures, insects that love to feed on plants are less active, making life a little easier for your garden. With winter approaching, it also means in many cases that they’re nearing the end of their life cycle. So what does this mean for your beloved backyard? Your trees and shrubs that are planted are able to grow and be affected less by insects before winter arrives compared to being planted in the spring.

Fall weather isn’t just good for planting, it’s better for gardeners as well. Instead of sweltering in the hot summer heat, the cooler temperatures provide a more comfortable working environment, helping you to stay outside longer to tackle all your backyard projects.

Getting Started with Trees and Shrubs

Now that you’re (hopefully) sold on fall planting, there are a few things to consider first before actually getting started:

1. Where to Plant
   While cooler weather has its benefits, it’s still important to consider where you’re actually planting your tree or shrub. Make sure your space has the correct sun requirements. For trees, make sure you consider the size of the mature tree so you’ll know the distance you’ll need to plant from your home, fences, and overhead wires.
2. Underground Utilities
   It’s important to call before you dig so you can protect yourself from the possibility of hitting any underground utility lines. Avoid hitting these by calling 811 or checking with your local utility companies before you dig so you can prevent damage to utility lines, your property, and any possible injuries.
3. Selecting Your Trees and Shrubs
   Think about what kind of tree or shrub you want to plant. Most will last for a long time, so think about how they will pair with your backyard landscape and how they’ll look throughout the year.

Planting Your Tree or Shrub

Trees and shrubs are usually sold in different ways. Larger shrubs and trees can be burlapped, while ones of many different sizes can come in containers. With smaller trees and shrubs, you can sometimes find them bareroot. Here’s a basic breakdown on how you can get trees and shrubs started in your backyard.

1. Create a hole that’s about twice as wide as your root system (or root ball), and make sure it’s deep enough. Break up the soil you just dug and save it for later.
2. Remove the container and hold the tree by the root ball and place it in the hole. Gently loosen the roots to help them grow out. For burlapped trees, make sure the rope that holds the burlap together is untied and removed.
3. Backfill the same hole with soil that you dug before, then add water to settle the soil.

So, there you have it. Fall isn’t just a time of cooler weather and changing colors, it’s also a great time to get out in your yard and plant! Interested in using trees and shrubs to liven up your outdoor space? Our team can help. Contact us today!

The post Why You Should Be Planting Trees and Shrubs in the Fall (And How You Can Get Started) appeared first on Five Seasons Landscape.