Many people think that when the temperatures drop, there’s nothing else you can do to spruce up your yard. While winter brings lower temperatures, there are many tree and shrub options that you can plant now to keep your landscape colorful even in the winter. We are breaking down our top picks to help your yard look its best in 2021.
You do need to be mindful of the outside temperature so that the roots have a chance to establish themselves. Shrubs and deciduous trees are your best bets if you’re living in a northern climate, and you should hold off on planting any evergreens since they have a much harder time establishing their roots during winter temperatures. Go for Winterberry or Deciduous Holly to give your yard a festive pop of red, or opt for Firethorn’s unique orange berries if you live south of southern New Hampshire. Dogwood is also a great option if you’re going for a minimalist look, and Witch Hazel boasts yellow flowerings to give you another pop of color.
For best northern planting conditions, opt for a low-frost week or when the weather is expected to be mild. To help any newly planted roots take hold, add a 3”-4” layer of insulating mulch around the base of the plant once the ground has frozen. Make sure to keep it several inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and any wildlife chewing.
If you’re living in a warmer climate, wintertime is the perfect time to plant any tree or shrub variety in southern areas, since this time gives the roots a chance to develop before any hotter weather and potential droughts. Go ahead and plant those Arborvitae, Cedars, Boxwoods, Junipers and Firs to add festive greenery to your yard all year round. With so many size varieties of each of these, you can customize your picks to create dimension and instant curb appeal. You can also opt for Camellias with their stunning white or pink flowers that last the winter, or go with Edgeworthia (known as paperbush) for a beautiful springtime fragrance in winter.
Adding just one or two of these options is a great way to make your yard shine even during colder months. Plus as an added bonus, these trees and shrubs will easily complement any spring and summer blooms that you have planned for your yard, making your space beautiful all year round.
