CURB APPEAL
Homeowners with trees, gardens need to start thinking about getting their outdoor space ready for winter
For many homeowners, gardening and landscaping is a crucial part of their weekly home-maintenance routines. In fact, for some people, keeping a pristine lawn and healthy blooms is a true passion. Yet, with the colder months approaching, it’s astonishing how many homeowners simply let their gardens fall victim to the frost — only to start the painstaking process of planting all over again the next year. Thankfully, with some basic knowledge — and help from experts when it’s needed — it’s possible to salvage much of your meticulously caredfor greens and gardens.
Winter preparation and protection in the garden depends on the specific types of trees, shrubs and perennials you’ve planted — and their location on your property.
“As a rule of thumb perennials are cut down, leaving an inch or two above ground,” said Ellen Rasnikoff, head of landscape architecture at Groupe Paramount. “Ornamental grasses may be cut down as well; however, once they establish and become self-supporting, they may be left standing in the winter as an interesting focal point. Their dry blades actually create a beautiful textured contrast against the snow.”
This tactic of cutting down extends beyond perennials and grasses. A few popular woody shrubs should be cut as well, including Hydrangea Annabelle and Buddleia ( butterfly bush). That said, shrubs are generally easier to maintain than their grassy garden counterparts.
“Most other deciduous shrubs do not require any maintenance or cutting down,” Rasnikoff said. “Late-flowering shrubs may be trimmed at this time, but early spring-summer flowering shrubs should not be trimmed before winter as they will not flower in the spring if the buds are cut off.”
In addition to being concerned about trimming, the fall is also a good time to think about protecting the new fragile members of your landscaping.
“Some delicate shrubs, like evergreens, should be protected from the drying winter winds,” Rasnikoff said.
“A burlap screen can be constructed, taking care that it does not touch the foliage, and there are new fabric covers that may fit directly on the plant.”
No matter how you choose to cover them, plants should receive a thorough watering prior to the first frost, and all fall leaves should be raked out of the garden as they may harbour fungi and harmful bacteria.
With these basic tips, and some independent research, well-informed homeowners can readily prepare their gardens for winter. But if you’re not comfortable taking on the task, there are local companies that specialize in preparing your landscaping for winter.
“There is no greater pleasure than driving by an installation done in recent years and seeing that the homeowners are taking good care of their gardens,” said Lee Gregory, a project co-ordinator at Groupe Paramount.
“Homeowners can absolutely do it themselves but, especially for larger properties, the task may become difficult to work into a busy schedule — and in those cases, professional help is highly recommended.”
Why bother spending so much time on your home’s landscaping? It’s simple, Gregory said: “A home’s front garden is often a guest’s first impression when arriving for a visit.”
Real-estate brokers agree. In fact, landscaping and properly maintained gardens can go a long way in improving curb appeal.
“A property with a well-maintained garden exudes confidence and buyers will not feel it is neglected, or wonder about what else is wrong,” said James Panetta, real-estate broker with Kelller Williams Prestige. “What’s important is that a buyer feels the love and care the homeowner dedicates to the property.”
This first impression often plays an essential role in which home a buyer ultimately selects, he added.
“Gardens and landscaping go a long way in making a property more desirable,” Panetta said. “Even though a well-manicured garden requires constant attention, the rewards outweigh the effort.”