Preparing Your Colorado Springs Landscape for Winter’s Embrace

Landscape Maintenance, Lawn Care, Seasonal Yard Care

Preparing Your Colorado Springs Landscape for Winter’s Embrace

Colorado Springs is a beautiful city, but winter can be tough on your landscape. As the golden hues of autumn surrender to the crisp embrace of winter, it’s time to ensure that your landscape is well-prepared to weather the colder months. Winter can be a challenging season for your outdoor space–the cold weather, snow, and wind can damage plants and trees, and make it difficult for them to survive. That’s why it’s important to prepare your landscape for winter before the cold weather arrives. With some thoughtful planning and a bit of elbow grease, you can protect and even enhance your landscape’s health.

1. Mulch Because It Matters

One of the first steps in winterizing your landscape is applying a fresh layer of mulch. Mulch acts as a protective blanket for the soil, helping to regulate soil temperature and moisture levels. You can use a variety of materials for mulch, such as wood chips, bark chips, and straw. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your trees, shrubs, and perennial plants. This layer will insulate the soil, keeping it warmer during cold spells and preventing frost heave.

2. Prune for Protection

Late fall is an ideal time for pruning your trees and shrubs. Remove any dead or diseased branches as they are more vulnerable to winter damage. Proper pruning enhances air circulation and reduces the risk of snow or ice accumulation on branches, which can lead to breakage. Also remove any dead leaves and weeds from your yard. This will help to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in your landscape. You should also trim any shrubs or trees that are overgrown. This will help to prevent them from being damaged by the snow and wind. If you’re uncertain about the best pruning practices for your specific plants, consult with a landscaping professional.

3. Wrap and Shield Plants

Tender plants, particularly newly planted trees and shrubs, may benefit from protective wrapping. Trees and shrubs can be damaged by the weight of snow and ice. To protect them, wrap them with burlap or other protective material. You can also stake trees and shrubs to help them support the weight of snow and ice. Anti-desiccant sprays can also be applied to reduce water loss from leaves. Additionally, use burlap or specially designed plant covers to shield vulnerable plants from harsh winds, heavy snow, and freezing temperatures.

4. Wrap and Clear Water Pipes

Water pipes can freeze and burst in the winter. To prevent this, wrap them with insulation or heat tape. You should also drain any outdoor faucets or hoses. Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water to back up and damage your roof and foundation. Be sure to clean your gutters and downspouts before the winter weather arrives.

5. Inspect Your Irrigation System

Don’t forget to adjust your irrigation system for the winter season. As temperatures drop, plants require less water. Reduce the frequency and duration of watering sessions, but be sure to deep water your landscape thoroughly before the ground freezes. Proper drainage is crucial to avoid ice buildup that can damage plants and hardscaping elements. Additionally, inspect your irrigation system for any leaks or damage. Repair any leaks and make sure that your irrigation system is turned off before the first frost.

6. Safely Remove Snow

Snow can be both enchanting and challenging for your landscape. Shoveling or snow blowing paths through your garden can help protect plants from the weight of accumulated snow. Brush snow off branches and shrubs gently to prevent breakage. Be cautious, though, as plants can be brittle in cold weather.

If you use de-icing products on walkways or driveways, choose eco-friendly options that won’t harm your plants or contaminate groundwater. Be cautious when shoveling near your landscape features to avoid damaging plants or hardscaping elements.

7. Protect Your Lawn

Integrate hardscaping elements strategically to enhance functionality and aesthetics. Patios, walkways, or retaining walls can define spaces and reduce the need for excessive plantings. Choose materials that complement your overall design while offering durability.

8. Plan for Spring

While winterizing your landscape, take a moment to plan for spring. Consider any landscaping projects you’d like to undertake once the snow melts. Whether it’s adding new plants, creating a patio, or designing a garden space, now is the perfect time to dream and plan for the beauty that spring will bring.

9. Consult a Professional

For complex or extensive landscaping needs, consider consulting a professional landscaping company. They can assess your landscape’s unique requirements and provide expert guidance on winter preparation and long-term care.

Winter in Colorado Springs can be both challenging and beautiful, but by following these tips and being proactive in your landscape care, you canl help ensure that your outdoor space not only survives the winter but thrives when the spring thaw arrives. Prepare your landscape with care, and you’ll be rewarded with a vibrant, healthy, and resilient outdoor haven in the seasons to come.

10 Native Plants to Incorporate in Your Colorado Springs Landscape

Plants

10 Native Plants to Incorporate in Your Colorado Springs Landscape

When it comes to landscaping in Colorado Springs, incorporating native plants is one of the best choices you can make. Native plants are well adapted to the region’s unique climate, soil conditions, and altitude, making them naturally resilient in the local environment. They require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides than non-native plants, which can reduce maintenance and water bills while creating a more sustainable and eco-friendly landscape.

Using native plants also promotes biodiversity. These plants provide habitat and food sources for local pollinators, birds, and other wildlife, supporting the delicate ecosystem of Colorado Springs. If you’re looking to transform your yard into a vibrant, low-maintenance outdoor space that contributes to the environment, consider adding these ten beautiful Colorado native plants to your landscape.

1. Rocky Mountain Columbine (Aquilegia caerulea)

The Rocky Mountain Columbine, Colorado’s state flower, is a showstopper with its unique blue and white petals. Blooming in late spring and early summer, the Rocky Mountain Columbine is a magnet for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. It thrives in partial shade and prefers well-drained soil, making it perfect for areas with dappled sunlight or morning shade. This perennial’s striking appearance and delicate blooms make it a must-have for any Colorado garden, where it brings a touch of elegance and charm to the landscape. Planting Tip: Avoid full sun, as intense sunlight can scorch the delicate blooms. Plant in areas with morning light or filtered shade.

2. Blue Grama Grass (Bouteloua gracilis)

Blue Grama Grass is a hardy, low-maintenance native grass that thrives in the arid conditions of Colorado. It is drought-tolerant, requires minimal watering once established, and is perfect for xeriscaping. The unique seed heads of Blue Grama Grass turn a golden color in the fall, adding seasonal interest to your garden. This clump-forming grass is also beneficial for soil health, helping prevent erosion. Planting Tip: Blue Grama Grass does best in full sun with well-drained soil. It can also be left unwatered after establishment, making it an excellent choice for eco-friendly landscapes.

3. Western Coneflower (Rudbeckia occidentalis)

For bold, vibrant color, consider the Western Coneflower. This tall, drought-tolerant plant produces eye-catching yellow flowers with dark centers that bloom in late summer. Western Coneflower attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees, adding life to your garden. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an ideal choice for bright, sunny spots in your landscape. Planting Tip: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and a tidy appearance throughout the growing season.

4. Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Butterfly Milkweed is an essential plant for pollinator gardens in Colorado. Known for its vibrant orange flowers, this drought-tolerant plant attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, supporting the local ecosystem. It blooms in mid-summer and does best in full sun and well-drained soil. Butterfly Milkweed is also a larval host for monarch butterflies, making it a crucial addition for conservation efforts. Planting Tip: Butterfly Milkweed prefers dry to medium moisture levels. Avoid planting it in areas with poor drainage or overly moist soil.

5. Gambel Oak (Quercus gambelii)

Gambel Oak is a hardy deciduous tree native to Colorado’s foothills and mountainous regions. This tree can tolerate drought and cold temperatures, making it resilient in Colorado Springs. It produces acorns that provide food for various wildlife, including birds and squirrels. Gambel Oak is a small, shrubby oak tree that often grows in clusters, making it perfect for creating natural privacy screens or windbreaks. Planting Tip: Gambel Oak is ideal for sunny spots with well-drained soil. Its deep root system makes it excellent for stabilizing soil on slopes.

6. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

The Purple Coneflower is a robust perennial that produces stunning purple blooms with cone-shaped centers. This plant blooms from mid-summer to early fall, adding long-lasting color to your garden. Purple Coneflower is beloved by pollinators, including bees and butterflies, and is also deer-resistant, making it a great choice for wildlife-friendly yet resilient gardens. Planting Tip: Plant Purple Coneflower in full sun and well-drained soil. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming and prevent self-seeding.

7. Narrowleaf Penstemon (Penstemon angustifolius)

Narrowleaf Penstemon, also known as Beardtongue, is a striking plant with clusters of blue-purple flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. This plant attracts hummingbirds and bees, enhancing the biodiversity of your landscape. It’s highly drought-tolerant, which makes it ideal for xeriscaping in Colorado Springs. Planting Tip: Narrowleaf Penstemon prefers sandy or rocky soil and does well in areas with full sun. Avoid overwatering, as this plant prefers dry conditions.

8. Gambel’s Sage (Salvia greggii)

Gambel’s Sage, also called Autumn Sage, is known for its fragrant, gray-green foliage and spikes of blue-purple flowers that bloom in mid-summer. This drought-tolerant plant attracts bees and butterflies and adds a touch of color and fragrance to your garden. Planting Tip: Plant Gambel’s Sage in full sun with well-drained soil. Prune back in early spring to encourage fresh growth and a compact shape.

9. Silver Buffalo Berry (Shepherdia argentea)

Silver Buffalo Berry is a hardy shrub that produces silvery-blue berries in the fall, providing food for wildlife and adding visual interest to your landscape. This shrub is commonly used as a windbreak or hedge and can tolerate drought, making it well-suited to Colorado’s dry climate. Planting Tip: Silver Buffalo Berry does well in full sun with well-drained soil. It can be a great addition to wildlife-friendly landscapes and natural hedges.

10. Big Bluestem Grass (Andropogon gerardii)

Big Bluestem Grass is a tall, graceful native grass that provides valuable habitat and cover for wildlife. In the fall, its seed heads turn a reddish-brown color, adding seasonal beauty to your yard. Big Bluestem is also excellent for preventing soil erosion, making it a practical choice for sloped areas or erosion-prone soils. Planting Tip: This grass does best in full sun with well-drained soil. It can thrive with minimal watering after establishment, contributing to a sustainable landscape.

Why Choose Native Plants?

Incorporating native plants into your Colorado Springs landscape offers numerous benefits beyond aesthetics. Native plants reduce water usage, support local wildlife, promote soil health and prevent erosion, and require less maintenance. You can learn more here.

If you’re ready to create a sustainable, beautiful landscape that’s in harmony with Colorado’s environment, consider adding these native plants to your yard. Contact Fredell Enterprises to learn more about incorporating native plants into your Colorado Springs landscape. Our team has the experience and expertise to create a thriving, eco-friendly outdoor space that reflects the natural beauty of Colorado.

Why It’s Important to Choose Native Plants for Your Colorado Springs Garden

Garden, Plants

Why It’s Important to Choose Native Plants for Your Colorado Springs Garden

Choosing plants for your garden can be overwhelming. With so many beautiful options available, deciding on the best ones can feel like an endless task. However, one principle that can help simplify the decision-making process—and benefit both you and the environment—is choosing native plants. Native plants offer unique advantages that go beyond aesthetics and make them a powerful choice for gardeners in Colorado Springs and beyond.

Join us on a tour of your local garden as we discuss the benefits of native plants, explain why they are crucial for local ecosystems, and offer insights into why these plants are such a smart choice for a sustainable, beautiful garden.

The Benefits of Choosing Native Plants

Native plants are those that have evolved naturally in a particular region over thousands of years. In Colorado, this means plants that are adapted to our unique climate, soil conditions, and altitude. Here are several key reasons why native plants should be a priority in your garden:

1. Low Maintenance and Cost-Efficiency

Native plants are naturally suited to thrive in Colorado’s climate, which means they typically require less water, fertilizer, and care than non-native species. Unlike non-native plants that often struggle to survive without intensive care, native plants are naturally resilient. Their adaptations help reduce maintenance efforts, which can save you both time and money on gardening.

2. Water Conservation

Colorado Springs and many parts of Colorado experience dry conditions with limited rainfall, making water conservation a crucial concern. Native plants have evolved to survive on the available rainfall and soil moisture in this region. By choosing native species, you can minimize or even eliminate the need for supplemental irrigation, which conserves water and lowers your utility bills.

3. Support for Local Wildlife

One of the most significant benefits of native plants is the role they play in supporting local wildlife. Native plants provide food and shelter for birds, butterflies, and other pollinators that are vital to the ecosystem. Many native pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, rely on specific native plants for survival. By incorporating native plants into your garden, you’re helping to sustain local species and promote biodiversity.

4. Prevention of Invasive Species

Introducing non-native plants can sometimes lead to the spread of invasive species. Invasive plants are aggressive and can outcompete native species, often disrupting local ecosystems. By choosing native plants, you’re not only preserving Colorado’s natural beauty but also protecting its ecosystem from being overrun by invasive species that threaten local flora and fauna.

5. Enhanced Aesthetic and Authenticity

Native plants often create a more harmonious and authentic look that complements the surrounding landscape. They can be arranged to highlight their unique shapes, colors, and textures, enhancing the natural beauty of your outdoor space. For those who love the idea of a garden that reflects Colorado’s native beauty, using native plants offers a way to build a landscape that feels both cohesive and connected to the local environment.

Tips for Creating a Native Plant Garden

Now that you know the benefits, here are some practical tips to help you incorporate native plants into your garden:

Research and Plan: Before you start planting, research which native plants thrive best in Colorado Springs. Consider factors like sun exposure, soil type, and water requirements. Planning ensures that your garden is not only beautiful but also sustainable.
Start Small: If you’re new to gardening with native plants, start by incorporating a few species and see how they adapt. Adding native plants gradually will help you observe their impact and adjust as needed.
Diversify Your Selections: Incorporate a mix of native grasses, perennials, shrubs, and even small trees if possible. This diversity will create a rich habitat for local wildlife and add depth to your garden.
Provide Pollinator Support: Choose native plants that support pollinators, such as wildflowers and flowering shrubs. This will attract bees, butterflies, and birds to your garden, enriching the ecosystem and adding movement and life to your space.

Why Choose Native Plants? Key Reasons Recapped

To further emphasize the importance of native plants, let’s recap the primary reasons why they’re a top choice for Colorado gardeners:

Reduced Water Usage: Native plants are drought-tolerant, conserving water and making your garden more sustainable.
Support for Local Wildlife: By planting native species, you create a natural habitat that sustains local pollinators and other wildlife.
Enhanced Soil Health and Erosion Control: Native plants contribute to healthier soil by fostering natural microorganisms and reducing soil erosion.
Minimized Need for Chemicals: Native plants are often less prone to pests and diseases, reducing the need for pesticides and fertilizers, which can harm the environment.
Climate Adaptation: Native plants are naturally acclimated to Colorado’s climate, meaning they’re more likely to survive temperature fluctuations and periods of drought.

Getting Started with Native Plants in Colorado Springs

If you’re inspired to start your native plant garden, consider consulting a local landscaping expert who specializes in Colorado ecosystems. A professional can guide you in selecting the right plants and creating a design that complements both your personal style and the natural surroundings. Remember, by choosing native plants, you’re making a positive impact on the environment while creating a beautiful, resilient outdoor space.

If you’re ready to learn more about native plants or would like assistance in planning your Colorado Springs garden, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re passionate about creating sustainable, eco-friendly landscapes that benefit both our clients and the environment. Contact us today to get started on your journey to a native plant garden!

Colorado Garden Ideas

Garden, Plants

Along the front range and much of the state of Colorado has a unique climate which requires hardy semi-arid and arid plants. You have to choose plants that will hold up under the dry conditions and lend beauty, color, form, and style to your landscape. When landscaping in Colorado Springs and other areas of the state, it’s a good idea to keep in mind the short growing season and bloom times of various plants in order to get the most out of your garden during the spring, summer, and fall months before your plants disappear under the winter snow.

What Grows Well in Colorado

Succulents (cacti) –Require little water, come in various shapes, sizes, and colors.
Limemound spirea – a medium-sized shrub with lime green leaves and dark pink blossoms that thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Bowles Periwinkle – this evergreen perennial makes an excellent ground cover with its dark green leaves and beautiful violet-blue, pinwheel-shaped flowers.
Ice Plants – the blooms on this perennial favorite offer brilliant iridescent color, and these plants can hold up to the full sun, offering your garden glorious color throughout the summer
Ornamental grasses – for color, variety, and structure, ornamental grasses such as Little Bluestem, and Indian Rice grass are good choices.
Snow Angel Coral Bells – this perennial offers highly textured, heart-shaped leaves, brilliant pinkish-red blooms suitable for cutting and a 12-18” height to balance out shorter plantings. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, and blooms late spring to early summer.
Evening Primrose – these delicate yellow, pink, or white blossoms add a whimsical touch to your Colorado garden and offer health benefits in their seeds and the oil that can be extracted from them. Some varieties reach up to six inches in height, others as much as six feet.

How to care for Colorado Garden Plants

When considering Colorado garden ideas, keep in mind the lack of moisture available in our arid climate. For Colorado Springs, Xeriscape Design is a popular option. This style of landscaping involves arid plants. They require little water, and you won’t have to spend your days watering and tending to your garden. Be patient, and don’t plant your garden until the ground dries out from the Colorado spring rains and the weather is warm enough to support your summer plantings. Planting in wet soil compacts it, making it difficult for new plant roots to become established and grow, and walking on wet soil can lead to compacted areas that are difficult to break up once the ground is dry and ready to put your Colorado garden plants in place. You can incorporate xeriscape in various sections of your garden to extend the area and offer a practical pathway through or around your plantings. Plan your garden landscape so that each planting receives the recommended amount of sun and/or shade to maximize plant growth.

Deer Resistant Plants

Homeowners who live near open space, the foothills, or in the mountains all share the frustration of deer eating their gardens. Homeowners aren’t the only ones who are exasperated by this: Landscapers and gardeners find it disheartening as well. Finding deer resistant plants proves to be a daunting task. There are some deer resistant plants that tend to be left alone, but frequently changes depending upon factors such as location, rainfall, season, and maturity of the landscape.

While deer tend to enjoy certain plants and avoid others, there is no guarantee of being completely deer proof. Fortunately, there does seem to be some success with a fairly large plant palette in this region. The deer seem to avoid highly fragrant herbs such as Lavender, thorny plants such as Barberry, ornamental grasses, and several others.

Using a combination of deer management methods is recommended when the landscape is newly planted and at the beginning of the season when there isn’t much vegetation to choose from. The integration of deer resistant plants with scent repellents or fencing will be the best way to combat deer damage. Don’t give up hope; beautiful landscapes can flourish even in areas populated with deer.

Bulbs

Bulbs are a perfect choice for adding bursts of color in an area like Colorado Springs where sunshine is plentiful and spring moisture is almost always guaranteed! Planning for interest in all four seasons is not especially challenging with the wide variety of plants that are available: Nevertheless, it often gets overlooked. Each season has its own plant palette that thrives and draws attention to the landscape. In the early spring, when spring fever is at its peak, bulbs are one of the most effective ways to add an abundance of colors to the landscape.

They can either be planted in mass as a stunning eye catcher, or they can be planted in little pockets here and there, in order to add more subtle splashes of color throughout the landscape. Bulbs are versatile in that they can be used in a variety of garden styles. For example, crocuses and hyacinths can be used to enhance a more wild or natural garden, while tulips and irises can be used to enhance a more formal or cottage style garden.

Bulbs perform best in sunny areas so that they can store the food necessary for flowering the following year. However, a few species do well in the shade. Make sure that the leaves are not cut back immediately after blooming because this is how they store food. Instead, wait for the leaves to wither before cutting them. The best time to plant spring-blooming bulbs is in September.

Fall Interest

Landscapes that encompass interest for all four seasons are the most satisfying. Each season has its own palette: Spring bulbs, summer flowers, fall foliage, and winter evergreens. Of course, evergreens and hardscape features such as boulders, patios, and fire pits are beautiful all year round. Fall is perhaps the best season because it has the most interest available to it. It’s in the fall that a landscape reaches its climax before going dormant for the winter.

In autumn, flowers are still blooming, ornamental grasses are at their peak, and evergreens are still green. Of course, the most spectacular of all the elements during the fall is the turning of the leaves. It’s important to take advantage of all the possibilities available during this season to make the most impact.

There are numerous flowers that bloom from the summer into the fall such as mums and coreopsis. Ornamental grasses are an important part of a fall landscape because they add a variety of texture, height, and color. The leaves of trees and shrubs turn from shades of green to varying shades of red, purple, yellow, orange, and bronze. The colors of the foliage can be used to reflect or enhance the surrounding colors of the house, hardscape, and mountainous backdrop of the Colorado Rockies. This is the season when all of the features of the landscape come together and are displayed for all to see.

The Necessity of Watering Your Plants & Grass In Winter

Landscape Maintenance, Lawn Care

Colorado has some of the most stunning landscape in the country and is a popular place to visit year round. But Colorado’s winter weather is very dry, which can be the real reason behind damage to the landscape rather than the cold itself, which is why continuing to water your plants in the winter is essential. Dry air and winter winds can remove water from plants and trees, and when the ground freezes, any underground water turns to ice crystals that cannot be absorbed by plant roots. Water acts as an insulator for root systems, protecting them from damage during colder temperatures.

How much water is enough?

When it comes to fall and winter watering of your plants of grass, Colorado State University has some expert guidance for homeowners and plant lovers regarding the necessity of winter watering. Because the combination of dry air, low precipitation, little soil moisture, and fluctuating temperatures are typical in many areas of Colorado, it is often necessary to provide additional soil moisture from October through March to keep plant and tree root systems healthy and thriving, especially during times of little to no snow cover. Trees, shrubs, perennials and lawns may suffer damage during fall and winter if they do not receive supplemental water. Here are some quick tips from the CSU Extension program on when to water your plants and landscape:

To give your plant adequate soil moisture as they head into winter, water plants when the leaves begin to fall in the autumn.
Water trees, shrubs, lawns, and perennials during prolonged dry fall and winter periods to prevent root damage that affects the health of the entire plant.
Water only when air and soil temperatures are above 40 degrees F with no snow cover.
Apply water at mid-day so it will have time to soak in before possible freezing at night.
Established large trees have a root spread equal to or greater than the height of the tree.
Apply water to the most critical part of the root zone within the drip line.
Plants receiving reflected heat from buildings, walls and fences are more subject to damage. The low angle of winter sun makes this more likely on south or west exposures.
Windy sites result in faster drying of sod and plants and require additional water.
Lawns in warm exposures are prone to late winter mite damage. Water is the best treatment to prevent turf injury.

Following these guidelines of watering your plants during winter season can help ensure your landscape remains healthy and beautiful throughout Colorado’s colder months.

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