Protecting Your Urban Canopy: Tree and Plant Care

Winter can be surprisingly harsh on trees, even when they appear dormant. The primary threats are dehydration, temperature fluctuation, and hungry pests.

• Deep Watering Before the Freeze: Trees, especially newly planted and evergreen varieties, can suffer from winter burn if the ground freezes before they’ve had a deep drink. Ensure a thorough, deep watering session right up until the ground is hard-frozen.
• Mulch for Insulation: Apply a layer of organic mulch (like shredded bark) around the base of trees and shrubs. This acts as a protective blanket, insulating the roots from extreme temperature shifts and retaining crucial soil moisture. Pro Tip: Keep the mulch a few inches away from the tree trunk to prevent moisture retention and bark rot (avoid the “mulch volcano”).
• Guard Against Pests and Sunscald: Young trees with thin bark are vulnerable to sunscald (freezing damage following warm winter sun) and damage from rodents gnawing on bark when food is scarce.
  • Wrap vulnerable trunks with light-coloured tree wrap or burlap.
  • Install plastic or wire mesh tree guards at the base to deter rabbits and mice.
• Pruning for Safety: Late fall or early winter (while dormant and before major storms) is an ideal time for structural pruning. Remove any dead, diseased, or weak branches that could snap under the weight of heavy snow or ice, mitigating a major safety risk to park users and property.
• Defend Against Road Salt: If park landscaping is near roads or parking lots, use a physical barrier like burlap to shield plants from road salt spray. If de-icing salts must be used on nearby hardscapes, opt for tree-friendly alternatives like calcium chloride, potassium chloride, or sand/grit mixtures.

Winterizing the Investment: Sprinkler Systems

The single most important step for irrigation systems is the complete removal of water before freezing temperatures hit. Failing to do this can lead to burst pipes, costly repairs, and significant downtime in the spring.

1. Shut Off the Water: Locate and turn off the main water supply to the irrigation system.
2. Drain the Pipes: While some systems have manual or automatic drains, the most reliable method for cold climates is the “blow-out” procedure.
   • Use an air compressor to systematically force all remaining water out of the mainlines, lateral lines, and sprinkler heads, working through one zone at a time.
   • Crucial Safety Note: This process requires specific pressure and volume settings to prevent damage to the system’s components. Always hire a professional technician for this task.
3. Protect Above-Ground Components: Insulate exposed components like backflow preventers, valves, and any external faucets using specialized foam covers or insulating tape to shield them from wind chill and freezing.
4. System Check: Before the final shutdown, conduct a quick inspection for leaks or damaged heads. Repairing these minor issues now will prevent bigger surprises when the system is pressurized in the spring.

Clear and Safe Passage: Walkways and Hardscapes

Maintaining clear, safe park paths is a top priority for public safety and accessibility. A strategic approach to snow and ice removal saves time and prevents injuries.

• Proactive Snow Clearing: The easiest snow to move is fresh snow. Implement a strategy to shovel or plow early and often during a storm to prevent compaction, which quickly turns into slick, hard-to-remove ice. Prioritize high-traffic routes first.
• Strategic De-Icing: Use chemical de-icers judiciously.
  • Select products that are less corrosive to concrete/pavers and less harmful to nearby plants (e.g., calcium or magnesium chloride-based products, or plain sand/grit for traction).
  • Apply de-icer after the bulk of the snow has been removed to treat any lingering ice layer and prevent re-freezing.
• Mark Obstacles: Place highly visible markers (like reflective stakes) along the edges of paths, parking lots, and around fire hydrants. This protects the park’s hardscape edges from damage by snow removal equipment and makes it easier for operators to see their boundaries under deep snow.
• Inspect and Repair Hardscapes: The freeze-thaw cycle can turn small cracks in pavement and pavers into dangerous trip hazards. Inspect all walkways, patios, and steps in the fall, sealing cracks and leveling any uneven pavers to prevent water seepage, freezing, and expansion that leads to costly damage.

Winter maintenance is not a pause, but a shift towards protection and preservation. By carefully preparing trees, winterizing sprinkler systems, and maintaining clear pathways, city parks can minimize risks, reduce spring repair costs, and be ready to welcome the community back into a safe and flourishing green space when warmer weather returns.