Spring is the busy season for landscapers, tree services, and DIYers alike. But why not use the downtime winter offers to lay the foundation for seasons to come? It’s actually one of the best times of year to prepare your landscape for a healthy spring. Short, cold days do not have to mean a dull yard. With a few smart moves, your winter landscaping can protect trees and plants, reduce storm damage, and maintain strong curb appeal. For homeowners in Maryland, especially around Clarksville, ice, wind, and heavy, wet snow make preparation essential.
How To Get Ready for Snow:
Routine Care
Even in cold weather, plants still need water. If the ground is not frozen and there is no rain in the forecast, water evergreens and newly planted trees to prevent their roots from drying out. When temperatures drop, give sensitive shrubs and young trees a windbreak. Skip plastic bags because they trap moisture and invite fungus. Use breathable burlap or purpose-made plant covers so air can circulate while branches stay protected.
Prune and Thin
Limbs that seem flexible in July can turn brittle in January. Ice and snow load add weight that causes cracks or failure. Before winter settles in, have your trees assessed and pruned to remove deadwood, lighten dense canopies, and reduce the chance of breakage.
Proper structural pruning improves airflow and reduces fungal issues. It also lowers the amount of snow a tree can catch, which decreases the risk of splits during storms. An ISA-Certified Arborist like Nelson Tree Specialist will target the right limbs, protect branch collars, and work safely around roofs, driveways, and power lines.
Tip for Maryland oaks, maples, and ornamentals: corrective pruning in the dormant season often heals faster and is less stressful for the tree.
Watch the Salt Near Planting Beds
Road salt improves safety on roads, sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots, but the resulting salty runoff can soak into nearby soil and harm plants. It pulls moisture away from roots, burns leaves and buds, and breaks down soil. To avoid that, use ice melt only when necessary, choose plant-safer types, and pile shoveled snow away from lawns and beds. A little prevention saves you from winter burn and spring dieback.
What to Plant in Winter for Color and Structure
Winter landscapes do not have to be bare. There are a few options to spruce up your yard even in the colder months.
Evergreens
Evergreens live up to their name. Staying green all year ‘round, evergreens will add some needed variety to your winter landscape. Not only will they add color and texture to your yard, but they also provide much-needed shelter to critters during the winter. Cardinals love nesting in evergreens while using the limbs as shelter.
Berries
Trees like crabapples and holly hold their fruit in the winter. Crabapple fruit starts bright red and slowly darkens to a maroon. Holly plants not only hold their bright red berries through the winter, but also their leaves. When winter goes and the robins come back, they chow down on these berries.
Off-Season Projects: Hardscaping and Cleanups
You might be surprised to learn that landscaping isn’t just about plants and trees. It refers to the entire view of your property, including your yard, house, walkways, and any other structures. While your plants go dormant in winter, you can shift your focus to hardscaping projects. Install a new deck, add a shed, or repave the porch. Refresh or add walkways and edging to improve drainage. You can also do cleanups like grind stumps and remove old roots so spring beds are ready. Even schedule pruning for clearance over driveways and sidewalks before commutes ramp up again. These updates improve your existing landscape and add instant curb appeal. Set you up for smoother growth in spring, and make winter landscaping in Maryland a smart, productive choice.
Nelson Tree Specialist Can Help
Nelson Tree Specialist is based in Clarksville, MD, and serves homeowners and property managers in Maryland with ISA-Certified Arborists who understand local tree species, soils, and weather patterns. Book a winter assessment now so your landscape is protected and ready for spring.