Commercial grounds maintenance for winter

The winter months are a difficult time to maintain the grounds of your commercial premises, owing to the freezing cold and the constant snow and ice. Despite the challenge, proper grounds maintenance during the bitter weather is crucial in ensuring that you have a healthy, colourful, and appealing landscape during the spring. To help get you started, we outline a few tips for improvements in commercial grounds maintenance for winter to see your landscape through the bitter cold.

Dormant pruning

Plants reduce their active metabolism to the bare minimum during the winter. Most plants native to winter-prone regions prepare for this by shedding foliage. Winter is the best time to carry out extensive pruning while the plants are dormant. The pruning further reduces the plants’ metabolism stress in the low temperatures. New shoots from the pruned branches in the spring result in a rejuvenated, healthier tree or shrub.

Protect trees and shrubs from winter burn

Evergreen plants are ideal additions in commercial grounds to keep the landscape looking vibrant throughout the year. Most of these plants, however, are susceptible to winter burn in very harsh conditions. Winter burn kills the leaves and branches of the plant, and if left unchecked it may dry out an entire tree or shrub. Winter burn is caused by dehydration when the plant cannot take in water from the frozen soil but still losses moisture through the leaves. The freezing winter winds also severely dry out the leaves and green stems.

To prevent winter burn, place a layer of mulch around the plants’ base to conserve moisture and if possible continue watering. Wrap the plants with burlap to prevent excessive moisture loss through the leaves.

Mind the snow

Always prepare ahead and make sure you have plans or services in place to rid the grounds of excessive snow build-up. It may not seem like much, but snow build-up, especially along a slope, can be devastating to not only the plants but also other landscape features along its path. Massive snow piles weigh down on the stems of young trees and shrubs enough to cause breakage.

Don’t ignore pests and diseases

Diseases and pests are not as active in the winter compared to warmer times of the year. Nevertheless, it does not mean the plants are immune to attacks. Diseases and pests can still cause damage to the plants, diminishing the landscape’s beauty and value. Continue pest and disease prevention practices for your various plants if only to be safe.

Plant bulbs for colour

Your landscape during the winter does not have to be as gloomy as the weather. Splash a bit of colour and excitement on the grey by installing some plant bulbs to liven up the place. The light not only makes the establishment warm and inviting, but it also wades off animals that may seek out shelter in the plants and damage them.