Denver experiences four seasons each year and over 300 days of sunshine. Although nothing compares to living in a place with such varying weather conditions, they can quickly take a toll on your landscape. Luckily, there are several things you can do to protect your plants through the transitional months in the spring and fall. At American Arbor Care, we’re happy to provide tips and tricks to keep your plants in good condition all year long.
Spring and Fall in Denver
When winter dwindles and spring arrives, the temperatures begin to rise in the Mile-High City. As plants begin to bud and bloom, the weather can be unpredictable and extremely wet, posing a risk to vulnerable plants. It’s also not uncommon for Denver to experience snow in March and early April, and homeowners must take the necessary precautions to protect their plants.
Fall brings a burst of color and chilly temperatures as plants go dormant in preparation for winter. During these seasons of unpredictable temperatures and heavy precipitation, homeowners must be aware of the weather so they can keep their plants from suffering from shock when the weather fluctuates.
Assessing Landscaping Vulnerabilities
Native plants know how to weather Denver’s ever-changing climate, but they are still vulnerable to frost and moisture. During the transitional seasons, it’s important to keep an eye on the forecast so you can protect your landscape from frost damage and moisture problems. Take an inventory of your current landscape and learn about each plant’s needs. Are your trees and shrubs properly pruned, and do they have a protective layer of mulch around their bases?
If you do have vulnerable plants or plants that need extra protection, gather your supplies and take preventative measures ahead of time, so when spring and fall arrive, your landscape will continue to thrive.
Tips for Protecting Your Landscape
Although it’s tempting to get out in your garden on the first warm day of spring, it’s best to wait a few weeks. That way, you can avoid the risk of spring frost that can quickly damage or kill newly planted shrubs or trees. The best way to protect established plants from spring frost is by taking preventative measures in the fall.
Before winter arrives, add mulch to areas around the bases of trees and shrubs to insulate the soil and keep them from being exposed to extreme temperature changes. This protects their roots during spring’s fickle weather and also locks in moisture where it’s needed most.
Fall is also the best season for pruning trees and shrubs. Take advantage of mild autumn days to trim away dead branches that can pose a risk to your property when wind and snow arrive. Otherwise, you can risk falling branches and property damage during winter blizzards and spring storms.
If a spring frost is in the forecast, cover vulnerable plants with burlap sheets to add a layer of protection. Other methods work as well, but avoid using plastic sheets. They’ll cause more harm than good.
Plant Selection and Placement
If you’re adding to your landscape, carefully choose where each plant will thrive. Consider their light and moisture needs and plant them in places that will receive adequate sunlight all year. Pick native plants that know how to thrive through each of Denver’s four seasons. A landscaping expert can help you select plants that look great and will grow with little maintenance in your unique lawn.
Trust American Arbor Care With Your Seasonal Landscaping Needs
If you’re worried about your plants, contact our experts at American Arbor Care. We’ll help you create a preventative plant to ensure that your landscape looks great year-round, and we’re happy to suggest new plants to add to your existing Denver landscape. That way, you’ll be equipped to care for your plants no matter what weather brings.