How to Plan for Winter In the Middle of Summer

Did you know that the warm summer months are the best time to think about winter? As counterintuitive as it may seem, a little planning when the weather is nice goes a long way towards protecting your yard, and having beautiful, colorful growth even during the cold weather months. Read on to find out more about how best to plan for a beautiful yard and garden that will last throughout even the coldest, darkest, wettest winter months.

1. Evergreen today, evergreen tomorrow! One easy way to retain luscious, verdant green in your yard all through winter is to plant evergreen trees. (Did you realize that not all evergreens are green? From yellow to blue to, yes, green, evergreens retain their vibrance throughout the wintertime, and provide lush backdrops, fence linings, and strategic placement for color throughout your property.) Think about the best places to plant pine, fir, and spruce trees, and plan around these year-round strong and beautiful trees. No garden bed is complete without an evergreen!
2.  Berries add a pop of color. From crabapple berries in the late fall to holly berries at the winter holidays, berry trees and bushes are a great way to retain vibrance when the other trees in your yard are shedding their colorful leaves. Many berry trees and bushes also flower, so you get the added bonus of flowers for a while, and berries, as well. In addition to being beautiful, berries can provide nutrients for birds and other wildlife in the wintertime, and keep your little ecosystem functioning at a sustainable level until spring.
3. Incorporate varied textures. Bark on trees, ornamental grasses, and stone or brickwork are easy ways to incorporate textures into your landscape. Colorful, textured bark will make even a bare tree pop with color. Many ornamental grasses last through winter, and have various textures and distinct looks to stand out against your winter flowers, berries, and lawn. Some ornamental grasses to consider planting now for winter include Japanese Sedge, Blue Fescue, and Switch Grass. Stones and brick work can be incorporated in many ways, from pathways to water fixtures to fireplaces to retaining walls. Multifaceted stonework breaks up a barren landscapes, and provides a sense of strength and timelessness, even in dark, cold winter months.
4. Build and maintain flat walkways for times of inclement weather. When selecting stones or pavers for footpaths through your yard or to your driveway, as beautiful and unique as uneven stones may seem, they may not be very practical come wintertime. Imagine shoveling your walkway and then having to still carefully tiptoe to your car to avoid slipping or tripping over uneven stones or unequally spaced pavers. Plan ahead for inclement weather by making your footpaths and walking surfaces as even as possible. You’ll thank yourself later as you save yourself from twisted ankles come winter!

What other summer activities do you do in your yard to plan for the winter months? Comment with additions to our list, or contact us to let us know how we can help you get going on your summer maintenance projects.