Winter can be a challenging season for trees and plants, with heavy storms, flash freezes and overwintering pests threatening their health and stability. However, with a little preparation, you can protect your garden and ensure its success in the year ahead. Pruning and protection during the dormant season not only shield plants from damage, but also set the stage for robust growth and productivity in the spring. If you have fruit-bearing trees or shrubs, this is of particular importance.
In this article, we’ll explore why winter care is essential and how you can effectively prune and protect your garden.
Understanding the Threats
Winter is a time of rest for your plants, but it also brings several challenges that can impact their health:
1. Heavy Storms: High winds and snow loads can break weak branches and destabilize young trees.
2. Structural Issues: Branches that cross, rub, or grow at poor angles are more likely to snap during storms.
3. Insects & Fungus: Pests and fungal spores overwinter on bark, leaves and soil, ready to emerge in spring.
4. Flash Freezing: Sudden drops in temperature can stress or kill plants that aren’t properly insulated.
5. Disease & Invasives: Dormant-season diseases and invasive plants can quietly take hold if left unchecked.
These threats can cause lasting damage to your garden, but they can be mitigated with thoughtful care and attention.
The Benefits
Pruning and protecting your garden during winter offer multiple benefits:
• Prevent Damage: Removing weak branches reduces the risk of breakage and damage during storms.
• Improve Plant Health: Pruning encourages better airflow, reduces disease pressure and strengthens plant structures.
• Support Resilience: Proper staking and winterizing helps plants withstand harsh conditions.
• Control Pests & Diseases: Dormant sprays and debris cleanup eliminate overwintering threats.
• Prepare for Growth: A well-maintained garden in winter leads to a healthier, more productive landscape in spring.
Winter Pruning: How & Why
Pruning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your garden during winter. When trees and shrubs are dormant, pruning causes less stress and minimizes the spread of diseases.
What to Prune
• Dead, Diseased or Damaged Branches: Remove these to prevent pests and infections.
• Crossing or Rubbing Branches: Thin these out to improve airflow and reduce damage.
• Weak Forks or Overgrown Limbs: Shape plants to enhance their structural integrity.
Pruning Tips
• Use sharp, clean tools to make smooth cuts and prevent disease spread. Clean shears with rubbing alcohol between each plant to prevent transmission of pathogens.
• Prune on dry days when temperatures are above freezing if possible.
• For most fruit trees, prune in late winter, just before buds begin to swell. On the West Coast, prune stone fruit (like plums, peaches, and apricot) in late summer after fruit harvest to minimize fungal infections.
Protecting Your Plants from Stress
In addition to pruning, these protective measures will help your plants survive and thrive through the cold months:
1. Plant Staking: Secure young or unstable trees with stakes to prevent tipping during high winds. Use soft, flexible ties to avoid damaging the bark.
2. Dormant Sprays: Apply horticultural oils or lime sulfur sprays to trees and shrubs to smother overwintering pests and fungal spores. These sprays are highly effective and environmentally friendly.
3. Winterizing Plants: Mulch around the base of plants to insulate roots and regulate soil temperature. For tender plants, use burlap wraps or frost cloths to protect against cold snaps and harsh winds.
4. Cleanup and Disposal: Remove fallen leaves, fruit, and debris that can harbour pests and diseases. Dispose of pruned material properly, especially if it shows signs of infection.
Why Timing Is Critical
Winter care is all about timing. Prune and protect your plants during their dormant phase, ideally between late fall and early spring. Acting too early or late can stress plants or leave them vulnerable to further damage. Regular monitoring and maintenance ensure your garden stays protected throughout the season.
A Fruitful Year Starts Now
Winter doesn’t have to mean downtime for your garden. By taking proactive steps to prune and protect your trees and plants, you’ll ensure their health and productivity for the year ahead.
Whether you do it yourself or enlist professional help, now is the time plan and act. Don’t let winter storms, pests or diseases take a toll on your landscape—prepare your garden in winter for a fruitful growing season.
