Although winters in the Palm Harbor, Florida, area are mild compared to northern states, extremes in weather can affect your garden and lawn. Preparing trees, shrubs, and other vegetation in the fall for temperature and moisture changes will help your yard stay healthy through the winter. Below-freezing temperatures may affect vegetation and trees. Here are some tips to help your yard successfully weather the cold.

Cultivate Low-Maintenance, Native Plants

Native plants have adapted to local conditions, making them less likely to be affected by extremes of weather and easier to grow in local soils, sunlight and water conditions. Many are salt-tolerant and some, like holly, bear colorful fruit during winter months. Deciduous and evergreen trees like Live Oak, Winged Elm and some varieties of pine grow well in dry soils. Other drought-tolerant trees include Crape Myrtle, Cabbage Palm and several varieties of oak.

Shrubs and hedges add interest to a yard with variations in height, color and pattern. Holly, Saw Palmetto, Hawthorn and Boxthorn are drought-tolerant species that can be used successfully as hedges to define boundaries, provide a screen or add curbside appeal. Intersperse annuals in low beds for color and interest. These may die back in winter but can be replanted in the spring.

Maintain the Yard Year Round

A healthy, well-maintained yard is more likely to survive the extremes of weather that occasionally occur in Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. Keep trees trimmed to reduce the possibility of falling branches that can cause property damage.

Trim shrubs and hedges at least once a year. Regular trimming creates and maintains a desired shape and density of the hedge. Regular maintenance also keeps the hedge from overgrowing walkways or recreation areas.

Many grasses become dormant in cold months. Effective yard maintenance includes mowing at the highest recommended levels during growing seasons to reduce stress to the turf, which helps grass resist drought, insects and weeds. Water only when necessary to develop deep roots.

Prepare for Winter

Experts recommend that the last fertilization of the year for lawns in Central Florida be before mid-September, using equal amounts of potassium and nitrogen to improve resistance to cold and promote new spring growth. If grass freezes, don’t immediately re-fertilize as this may harm the grass.

Mulching around trees, shrubs, and perennials retains moisture and keeps the ground warmer during cooler months, protecting plants from the shock of sudden drops in temperature.

Hire a Professional

Warner Tree Service of Palm Harbor, Florida, is a full-service, residential and commercial tree care service providing tree pruning, shrub trimming, tree removal and palm trimming. We’re family owned and operated. Proper trimming protects trees from disease, increases visual appeal and encourages healthy growth. We evaluate the type of tree, amount and quality of growth and risk of damage to property.

If you have questions about the condition of trees and shrubs on your property, call us and discuss your concerns. We are insured and bonded and provide free, written estimates for all work.