Essential Winter Landscaping Tips for Bend and Redmond, Oregon

Winter in Bend and Redmond, Oregon, brings a unique set of challenges for maintaining a healthy and beautiful landscape. The cold temperatures, ice, and snow can take a toll on plants, trees, and hardscapes if they’re not properly prepared. By taking the time to winterize your landscape, you can protect it from damage and ensure it’s ready to thrive when spring arrives. Here are some essential winter landscaping tips to help you safeguard your yard during the colder months.

1. Protect Your Plants with Mulch

Mulching is one of the most effective ways to protect your plants from the harsh winter conditions. A layer of mulch helps insulate the soil, retaining warmth and moisture, which is critical for plant roots during the winter:

• Apply a Thick Layer: Spread a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of trees, shrubs, and garden beds. Make sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk or stems to prevent rot.

• Use Organic Mulch: Organic mulches, such as wood chips, straw, or shredded leaves, are ideal for winter protection as they break down over time and add nutrients to the soil.

2. Prevent Ice Damage to Trees and Shrubs

Ice accumulation on branches can lead to breakage and long-term damage to trees and shrubs. To prevent this:

• Prune Before Winter: Prune any dead or weak branches in the fall to reduce the risk of breakage under the weight of ice and snow. This also helps maintain the shape and health of the plant.

• Support Vulnerable Plants: Use stakes or plant ties to support young or fragile trees and shrubs. This helps them withstand the weight of snow and ice.

• Wrap Delicate Shrubs: For delicate or recently planted shrubs, consider wrapping them in burlap or a frost cloth to protect them from heavy snow and ice accumulation.

3. Winterize Your Irrigation System

An often overlooked but critical part of winter landscaping is protecting your irrigation system:

• Drain the System: Turn off the water supply and drain the irrigation lines to prevent freezing and bursting. This is especially important in areas like Bend and Redmond, where winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing.

• Blow Out the Lines: Use an air compressor to blow out any remaining water in the lines. This ensures that the system is completely dry and less likely to suffer damage during the winter.

• Insulate Exposed Pipes: Wrap any exposed pipes or backflow preventers with insulation to protect them from freezing temperatures.

4. Maintain Hardscapes and Outdoor Features

Winter can be hard on your outdoor hardscapes and features, but a little preparation can go a long way:

• Seal Hard Surfaces: Apply a sealant to patios, walkways, and driveways to protect them from the freeze-thaw cycle that can cause cracks and other damage.

• Protect Outdoor Furniture: Clean and cover outdoor furniture or store it indoors to prevent weather-related damage. Waterproof covers can help keep your furniture in good condition throughout the winter.

• Clear Snow Regularly: After heavy snowfall, clear snow from walkways, driveways, and patios to prevent ice buildup and reduce the risk of slips and falls. Use a snow shovel or snow blower for large areas, and consider using a de-icer to keep surfaces clear.

5. Prepare Your Lawn

Even though your lawn is dormant during the winter, it still needs some attention to ensure it stays healthy:

• Final Mowing: Mow your lawn one last time before winter sets in, keeping the grass at about 2 to 2.5 inches high. This helps prevent snow mold and keeps your lawn looking neat.

• Fertilize in the Fall: Apply a slow-release fertilizer in late fall to give your lawn the nutrients it needs to survive the winter and green up quickly in the spring.

Conclusion

Preparing your landscape for winter in Bend and Redmond, Oregon, is essential to protect it from the damaging effects of cold, ice, and snow. By following these winter landscaping tips, you can ensure that your plants, trees, hardscapes, and lawn are well-protected and ready to thrive when spring arrives. With a little preparation, your landscape will emerge from winter healthy, vibrant, and more beautiful than ever.