Winter Plant Care

February 28, 2023

Winter in Colorado can hit your plants hard. Skip the seasonal guessing game; your landscape still needs attention and maintenance even when it’s buried in snow. If you’re hoping your yard magically survives until spring, we’ve got news (and better options).

Why Winter Plant Care Is Important 

Your plants are investments you’ve put time and money into. When you ignore winter care, you risk losing trees, shrubs, and perennials that took years to grow, which means costly replacements down the road. Prioritizing plant health year-round helps ensure they come back stronger and more vibrant when spring arrives.

Colorado winters bring their own unique challenges. The freeze-thaw cycles cause stress to roots and bark, making plants vulnerable to cracking and disease. Heavy snow can weigh down branches, breaking limbs if plants aren’t properly prepared. On the flip side, dry spells sneak in under all that snow, drying out roots without you even noticing. And don’t forget the intense mountain sun—it can scorch exposed plant parts even on cold days. Understanding these quirks is the first step to keeping your landscape healthy all year long.

Key Steps for Winter Plant Care

Mulching

Slap down a good layer of mulch around your plants before the cold really sets in. Mulch acts like a cozy blanket, insulating roots from temperature swings and locking in moisture during those dry winter spells. In Colorado, organic mulches like shredded bark work best—they breathe, break down naturally, and help keep the soil just right.

Watering (Yes, Even in Winter!)

Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean plants can’t get thirsty. During dry stretches, especially when the ground isn’t frozen solid, give your trees and shrubs a soak. Water early in the day so it has time to soak in before freezing temperatures hit at night. Keep an eye on the weather and soil moisture—winter watering prevents roots from drying out and keeps plants alive and kicking. 

On the other hand, overwatering in winter can lead to issues with stress and root damage, so don’t get carried away. Furthermore, using a hose or a sprinkler system is not recommended—these should be completely aired out and shut off during the winter months to prevent damage from frozen water. 

Pruning and Trimming

Winter’s a good time to trim dead or damaged branches that could snap under snow or ice. But don’t go crazy and don’t do it at the wrong time—pruning should be planned for late autumn or winter when most plants are dormant. Smart pruning now stops diseases in their tracks and helps plants weather storms without losing big limbs.

Some trees and plants, like birch, cherry, and maple, should be pruned in summer or mid-winter to avoid excessive sap loss. Always research the best pruning times for your plants before getting started! 

Protecting Young and Vulnerable Plants

New trees and tender shrubs can take a beating from sunscald and frost cracks. Wrap trunks and branches with burlap or tree guards to shield them from harsh winds and temperature swings. For extra protection, consider anti-desiccant sprays that lock in moisture. 

Lawn and Soil Preparation

Don’t forget your grass and soil—they need care too. Late-season fertilizing gives your lawn nutrients to store over winter, while aeration helps water and air reach roots beneath frozen ground. If your lawn needs repair, plan dormant seeding now so grass can sprout as soon as conditions improve.

Common Challenges and Misconceptions

• “Snow protects everything naturally.”
  Snow does act like a blanket, but it’s not a magic shield. Heavy snow piles can snap branches and cause structural damage. Plus, trapped moisture under snow can lead to mold or rot if plants stay wet too long.
• “Watering will just freeze and damage plants.”
  Watering in winter doesn’t mean icy disaster if done right. When the soil isn’t frozen solid, deep watering keeps roots hydrated and prevents them from drying out in the dry air. Skip it, and your plants could suffer from drought stress even in the cold.
• DIY Mistakes
  Over-pruning or chopping at the wrong time weakens plants and opens them up to disease. Using the wrong mulch—like rock or non-breathable materials—can trap moisture or heat in ways that harm roots. Also, fertilizing or watering at the wrong times can do more harm than good, throwing off the plant’s natural winter rhythm.

Why Hire a Professional Like Lindgren Landscape

Colorado’s winter isn’t like anywhere else, so you need to dial in your plant care accordingly. At Lindgren Landscape, we know the local climate inside and out—from the brutal freeze-thaw cycles to warmer fall months and dry, high-elevation air—and understand exactly what your plants need to survive and thrive. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Whether you’re a homeowner or managing a commercial property, Lindgren Landscape crafts winter care plans for comprehensive landscape maintenance that fit your specific plants, property, and budget. Ready to get started? Reach out to our team today!