Winter landscaping.

Many wonder if it is too cold to install landscaping plants now. 

The answer is, "if you can dig, you can plant".  Just be aware that plants still need moisture, even when the ground freezes, so go ahead and dig those holes and put those evergreens, shade trees, ornamental trees, and flowering shrubs in the ground.  Give them a good drink of water and backfill with the dirt from the hole.

If you plant trees, you may need to stake the plant to prevent winter blow over from winter winds.  Drive three short wooden stakes into the ground equi-distance around the tree, about 30 to 36 inches from the tree.  Thread strong rope ( or use wire) through  pieces of rubber hose to protect the bark on the tree.  Tie one end to the wooden stake and tie the other end to itself around the tree.  Tighten to hold the tree in a straight position.

Remove the staking at the end of next year's growing season.

The guys in our nursery dug about two dozen trees and "heeled" them in along a drip line for sales next spring.  We cover them with shredded bark to hold the "freeze" in for the winter and protect them from a cycle of freezing and thawing through the winter months.

Planting now gives your plants a head start on life as roots continue to develop, even in the winter.

Plant and enjoy the benefits next spring and for many springs to come.