1. Select plants reputed as good quality landscape plants and noted for their winter hardiness. 

We sell only plants (other than annuals, or course) that are hardy in this area, USDA Zone 5.  Among this group of hardy plants, some may tend to withstand harsh winter conditions better than others.  Stay away from plants that have earned a finicky reputation such as dogwoods, roses, and broad-leaved evergreens such as rhododendrons.  Realize when selecting such plants that you may need to take extra measures in order to establish and maintain them.

2. Spread mulch in your landscaped beds and around trees at a depth of 2-3". 

The mulch will conserve moisture as well as stabilize the temperature around the plant's root zone.  Be sure to limit your mulch application to a maximum depth of 3".  Mulching any deeper can have adverse effects on plant health.

3. Make sure your plants receive at least 1" of water per week until the ground freezes.

Use a rain gauge to monitor rainfall and supplement with irrigation in one deep watering if necessary.  Fall's cooler temperatures tend to make us forget about watering our plants, but well-irrigated plants are better prepared to withstand a particularly harsh winter.

4. Prevent desiccation of your plants by applying an anti-transpirant such as Wilt-Pruf. 

You can keep plants hydrated by mulching and continuing to irrigate, but some types of plants may need extra help retaining water.  Wilt-Pruf works by creating a seal on the foliage that prevents water from evaporating out of the leaf.  This product is especially useful on broad-leaved evergreens, and may be used on needled evergreens as well (read the product label concerning plants that may be harmed by this treatment.)  Be sure to apply in late fall during daylight hours when temperatures are consistently above 40 degrees.  During a dry winter the application can be repeated in mid-winter provided temperatures are sufficient.

5. Prevent winter sunscald by using tree wrap.

Be sure to wrap thin-barked young trees such as maple, ash, and crabapple in order to protect them from the potentially damaging temperature differential between the sunny days and frigid nights of winter.  Be sure to remove tree wrap in the spring before the rainy season begins

6.  Prevent girdling by animals using screen or hardware cloth.

Tree wrap may help prevent girdling by animals, but as an added precaution use a sheet of household screen or hardware cloth to encircle the base of the tree, where girdling typically occurs.  You may also discourage rodent activity by keeping mulch away from the base of the trunk and keeping the area immediately around the tree free of grass and weeds.

7.  Stake newly planted single-stem trees for a period of 1-2 years.

Stake properly with a professional grade stake kit to help the tree establish well and encourage straight growth as well as to help prevent damage from harsh winter winds.

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