As April brings the first hints of warmth to Bergen County, homeowners begin anticipating the return of vibrant spring landscapes. While the longer days and increasing sunshine create excitement for outdoor activities, it's crucial to address any lasting effects of winter weather on your landscape before diving into spring gardening.
Winter's harsh conditions can leave behind various forms of damage - from broken branches due to heavy snow loads to plant tissue damage from temperature fluctuations. Our landscape experts at Rockfield Landscape have compiled essential tips to help prepare your yard for a successful spring season.
Addressing Winter Damage
Proper pruning of storm-damaged branches is essential for plant health. Broken or damaged limbs create entry points for diseases and pests, potentially compromising your trees' and shrubs' long-term health. Our certified arborists provide expert pruning services to protect your valuable landscape investments.
Late winter often leaves broad-leaf evergreens like Holly and Rhododendrons with brown or scorched foliage. This damage occurs when winter sun and winds cause moisture loss while frozen roots cannot replenish water to the leaves. Temperature fluctuations can also cause bark splitting, particularly in young trees and those with smooth bark. Professional spring care includes careful pruning, proper timing of protective treatments, and ongoing monitoring to ensure recovery.
Wildlife Impact and Protection
Winter browsing by deer, rabbits, and rodents can significantly impact your landscape's health and appearance. These animals often leave distinctive 45-degree angle cuts near plant bases, and their feeding habits can severely damage shrubs, evergreens, and young trees. After harsh winters with heavy snow coverage, wildlife feeding damage typically increases as food sources become scarce.
Protecting your landscape investment requires a combination of preventive measures and proper care. Our comprehensive approach includes:
- Professional assessment of wildlife damage
- Strategic installation of protective barriers
- Application of effective deterrent treatments
- Expert pruning to encourage healthy regrowth
- Replacement recommendations when necessary
Identifying Winter Injury
Winter damage often becomes apparent only when spring growth should normally resume. Newly planted specimens are particularly vulnerable, but even established plants can show stress after severe winters. Understanding the signs of winter injury helps determine appropriate treatment approaches.
- Slow Growth Initiation
Plants may take longer to show signs of life in spring - Distorted Development
New growth may appear misshapen or stunted - Bud Damage
Buds may fail to open or leaves may die prematurely - Branch Dieback
Entire sections of the plant may fail to produce new growth
Professional Spring Assessment
Before making decisions about pruning or plant removal, it's essential to allow time for potential recovery. Our experts recommend waiting until late May to make final determinations about plant health. Professional evaluation includes checking for living tissue and assessing the extent of damage to help guide treatment decisions.
Trust Rockfield Landscape to provide the expert care your landscape needs to recover from winter damage and thrive throughout the growing season. Contact us at (201) 447-6205 or through our online form to schedule your spring landscape assessment.
