Trees and shrubs are the dominant features of your garden. You may note that in the winter months, these stalwarts may face considerable damage if they are not adequately protected.

How to protect large trees and bushes:
§ Form a 3 to 5 inch layer of mulch made of finely chewed leaves.
§ Mulch soon after the ground freezes.
§ After mulching do not water the plant.
§ During this period pruning is not necessary.
§ Trees with delicate branches may suffer during the winter if they are outweighed with ice or snow. Tackle these trees by tying the branches lightly with twine, so that space for collection of snow or ice is reduced and a sturdier front is created.

How to protect young trees:
§ Young trees possess a thin bark that is sensitive to the drastic fluctuations in temperature. During the day the sun beats down on the trunk, this is followed by a radical dip in the temperature. This sharp contrast in temperature results in the damage of tissues and cracks may develop on the trunk - which may, in turn, become spaces for water collection. To counteract this process, you should protect the trunk using a fabric (light in color) or burlap strips.

How to protect shrubs:
Evergreen shrubs require some protection in winter; while those that shed their leaves do not require any particular winter care.
§ Arrange a layer of mulch made of leaves.
§ Being encircled with burlap wrap may further protect shrubs, like rhododendrons.

How to keep animals away:
§ To frighten animals from your garden, place some moving objects like pinwheels in your garden.

Keeping the birds healthy:
§ In case you want to attract birds to your garden, take pains to remove the berries from the cranberry bush viburnum. Due to the freezing temperatures these berries if consumed may be harmful to the birds.

Clearly, with the arrival of winter, you must take efforts to prepare your plants to face the harsh reality of winter.

If you like artciles about trees & shrubs....These pages might also interest you:

Guide to Conifers & Evergreens, How to Prune Shrubs, Gardening With Viburnum, Gingko Trees, Growing Magnolias, Japanese Barbury, Katsura Trees,Shrubs as Garden Borders,The Weeping Atlas Tree, Tough Trees, Great Birch Trees, Growing Citrus Trees, How to Prune Shrubs,How to Start Seedlings, Lustrous Abelia, Popular Shrubs, Shrub Winter Care Guide, Shrubs With Berries, Summer Hydrangeas