A winding path curves through a park with trees showcasing autumn colors. Fallen leaves cover the ground, and sunlight filters through the branches.

November extinguished the landscape ablaze, leaving only a few smoldering embers amongst the ashes.  The trees stood unadorned and humbled as their Autumnal attire laid at their feet.  The great sentinels now stood vulnerable and exposed.

A layer of brown, dried oak leaves covers the ground, dusted lightly with snow. Green moss-covered rocks peek through the leaves in some areas.

With Winter nipping at our heels, and the threat of consistent hard frosts, our trees and shrubs do require a little care to help protect them from the brutalities of the impending season.

Close-up of several green garden hoses with a crisscross pattern on the surface, coiled and stacked on top of each other.

First, trees and shrubs, before they go dormant, should be watered if Fall rains have been inadequate.  This applies to all trees and shrubs; however, newly planted trees and evergreens are more susceptible to desiccation and dehydration.  Moist soil also helps protect the roots from cold injury.

Two people work on landscaping near a brick house, using rakes to tend soil by a row of shrubs. A white Sweeper truck is parked nearby with its door open, partially visible in the foreground.

Trees and shrubs should also be mulched or re-mulched.  As you already know, mulch helps retain moisture and insulates the soil.

Trees with green, yellow, and orange leaves are shown against a partly cloudy sky, capturing the transition of foliage during autumn. Some branches with green leaves are visible in the foreground.

Lastly, it is recommended that you do not prune, other than removing dead, damaged or crossing branches.  Pruning now may still encourage new growth, which will not have a chance to harden off before winter; thereby, injuring the plant.

Tall trees with autumn leaves in shades of red and orange surround a leafless tree. A large tree trunk is visible on the left, and the sky is bright blue in the background.

As we prepare our yards and gardens for Winter, it’s important we offer a little love, time and care to our trees and shrubs.  As always, feel free to reach out to Sweeney’s with any of your Winter preparation needs. We proudly serve the communities of Villa Park, Elmhurst, Oakbrook, Oakbrook Terrace, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Wood Dale, Itasca, and more!

Sweeney’s:  A Plant Based Company

Plant of the Week

Cluster of blooming blue iris flowers with tall green stems and leaves, set outdoors with a softly blurred background.

Dwarf Iris

Fragrant shades of royal blue meld into a lighter blue with yellow stamens that bloom in early Spring.  Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 6-8″ tall and 3-6″ wide.

“Upon our heads
The oak leaves fall
Like silent benedictions
Closing Autumn’s gorgeous ritual…”
~Marjorie Allen Seiffert

Best wishes,

Kim Sweeney