Winter in Charlotte can be tough on your yard and landscape. While our winters are relatively mild compared to other parts of the country, we still face periods of freezing temperatures, wind, and precipitation that can damage plants and grass. Proper winter preparation and maintenance are crucial for keeping your yard healthy through the colder months.

As your local Charlotte landscapers, Hyatt Landscaping wants to ensure you have the information you need to protect your landscape this winter. We have put together this guide covering our top 5 winter landscaping tips tailored specifically for Charlotte homeowners. Follow these best practices and let Hyatt Landscaping provide any additional services to ensure your yard thrives this winter.

1. Prepare Your Lawn for Dormancy

Cool season grasses like fescue go dormant during Charlotte winters. While browning grass may seem worrisome, it is a natural protective process for the grass to conserve nutrients and energy. However, you still need to set up your lawn for success before it goes dormant:

Remove leaves – Rake up and remove fallen leaves. Too many leaves left on the lawn will block sunlight and suppress dormant grass.

Fertilize – Apply a high potassium fertilizer to strengthen grass roots and increase cold tolerance.

Aerate – Core aerate to allow nutrients to reach roots.

pH test – Test soil pH and make amendments as needed. Proper pH helps grass access nutrients.

Overseed – Overseed thin areas to thicken up turf before dormancy.

Check irrigation – Inspect irrigation system and winterize if necessary. Turn off and drain any above ground components.

By taking these steps in the fall, you can send your lawn into dormancy strong and healthy. A well-prepared turf will be poised for vigorous spring green-up.

2. Continue Watering Trees, Shrubs and Perennials

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that all watering can cease once colder weather arrives. While your lawn can discontinue watering, your trees, shrubs and perennials still need moisture through the winter. There are a few adjustments to make:

Water less frequently – Outdoor watering frequency can reduce to every 2-3 weeks depending on precipitation.

Water during warmer days – Water when daytime temperatures are above 40 degrees for better absorption.

Water thoroughly – Apply water slowly and deeply to moisten the full root zone.

Use a soaker hose – Prevent evaporation loss by using a soaker hose rather than a sprinkler.

Check soil moisture – Probe the ground with a screwdriver to test soil moisture 4-6 inches down before watering.

Consider drip irrigation – Emitters and drip lines are very efficient for watering beds and borders.

Mulch beds – Maintain 3-4 inches of organic mulch to conserve moisture around perennials.

Water evergreens – Take special care to water evergreen shrubs and trees like pine and holly that stay active in winter.

Adjusting your watering practices and using moisture-conserving methods will sustain plant health through frigid and dry conditions. Let Hyatt Landscaping install drip irrigation to make winter watering fast and easy.

3. Prune Deciduous Trees During Dormancy

The dormant season is an excellent time for pruning many trees. With leaves fallen, the branching structure is easily visible for pruning. Follow these tips for dormant season pruning:

Wait until fully dormant – Prune once the tree has dropped all leaves and entered full dormancy.

Prune oak and elm early – To prevent oak wilt, prune oak and elm trees early in dormancy.

Remove deadwood – Take out all dead and damaged branches.

Thin the canopy – Selectively remove small branches to let in light and air.

Maintain form – Eliminate branches that disrupt the desired tree shape.

Make clean cuts – Cut back to the branch collar without leaving stubs.

Disinfect tools – Sanitize pruning tools between trees to prevent disease spread.

Call a professional – For large trees or complicated pruning, hire a certified arborist like Hyatt Landscaping.

Proper dormant pruning encourages healthier growth in the spring season. Let the experts at Hyatt Landscaping restore form and function to your trees.

4. Protect Sensitive Plants from Freezing

While Charlotte winters are mild, we still have periodic plunges into freezing temperatures. Prolonged cold snaps can injure or kill sensitive plants. Tender perennials, citrus, and container plants are most vulnerable. Implement winter protection measures:

Choose cold hardy plants – Select plants rated for your USDA zone 7b to avoid issues.

Insulate with mulch – Apply a thick layer of shredded bark around the base of plants.

Cover with fabric – Burlap, old sheets, or frost cloth create a protective layer.

Provide warmth – Place strings of outdoor incandescent lights under covers. The heat protects plants.

Use plant jackets – Slip breathable waterproof covers over container plants.

Bring containers inside – Move pots of tender plants into unheated garages or basements.

Use portable heaters – Aim portable electric or propane patio heaters at prized plants during freezing nights.

Let plants acclimate – Allow plants to harden off with gradual exposure to cooler temperatures.

With the right preparations, even cold-sensitive plants can survive frigid Charlotte nights. Call Hyatt Landscaping if you need help protecting prized specimens.

5. Prepare Irrigation Systems for Freezing Weather

Irrigation systems require special care to avoid freeze damage. Frozen water in pipes causes dangerous cracking and bursting. Here are tips for winterizing irrigation:

Drain and blow out lines – Have Hyatt completely drain and blow compressed air through pipes before a hard freeze.

Insulate above ground pipes – Wrap exposed pipes with specially designed foam insulation.

Remove backflow preventer – Have the backflow device removed and stored for the winter.

Turn off and drain water supply – Shut off the main water supply and open drain valves.

Drain sprinkler heads – Turn heads to drain any remaining water after shutting the system down.

Insulate valve boxes – Place foam insulation blankets or bales of hay over valve boxes.

Test for leaks – In spring, pressurize the system and check for any leaks caused by freeze damage.

Hire a professional – Have Hyatt Landscaping winterize your system properly to prevent costly repairs.

Avoid the headache of busted pipes and flooded yards by properly preparing your irrigation system each fall. Trust Hyatt Landscaping to winterize your system correctly.

Let Hyatt Landscaping Handle Your Winter Lawn Care

This winter, keep your Charlotte landscape healthy and thriving by following these key tips. Protect your lawn, plants, trees and irrigation system from the hazards of freezing weather. Remember that the winter landscaping experts at Hyatt Landscaping are here to help. Contact us today to discuss winter services. By working together, we can ensure your yard stays beautiful all winter long!