El Ni?o is coming...prep your landscape for the ravages of winter.

Memories of the 2015’s blizzard are still fresh as an early morning dusting and this fall New Englanders are scrambling to get everything in order before the dark cold months ahead. Homeowners who value their landscapes prep their lawns and trees & shrubs along with their gutters, windows and driveways so they withstand the seasonal pummeling.

Simple steps like fertilizing, treating plants with a solution that allows them to retain water, and taking counter measures against curious wildlife like deer, ensure a lawn and grounds worthy of bragging to the neighbors next season.

Though plants become dormant in the winter, they must still store nutrients for winter root development and thwart disease. To combat nutrient deficiencies and the issues that stem from them many choose to treat their ornamental trees and shrubs with ‘deep root fertilization.’ In this process, nutrient rich liquid fertilizer is injected deep into the soil and root zone with a high pressure injection system. Lawn Doctor horticulturist Mike McDonald explains, “Dormancy allows the plant to slowly absorb the nutrients from the soil for maximum benefit. Application just before the onset of winter is ideal.”

Jack Frost’s whipping winds and frigid temperatures can wreak havoc on the landscape plantings of a property. Unlike the indoor Christmas tree, outdoor trees and shrubs are left wide open to windburn, drying up, browning, and general stress. Newly planted or transplanted trees are especially susceptible to winter’s harsh conditions and may not make it through the season without preemptive measures. Anti-Desiccant sprays are often used during fall to coat trees and shrubs in order to prevent water loss and windburn.

According to Mass.gov there are nearly 100,000 deer in the state of Massachusetts. Unfortunately, these often beloved creatures can have a negative effect on your lawn. Deer and other critters like to graze on common lawn plants such as Arborvitae and Rhododendron. Taking the time to apply harmless repellents this fall can keep Bambi from nibbling on your prized arborvitaes this winter.

Take care of your lawn and valuable plantings prior before El Niño arrives this winter and you can say adios to winter damage.

Lawn Doctor is a local, family owned and operated business serving over 6,500 homeowners in the Greater Boston region. Main offices are located in Hanover, MA. For more information about Lawn Doctor, visit www.LawnDoctor.com or call 800-831-1319.