Winterizing Shrubs and Plants in Michigan: A Practical Guide for Gardeners

As the vibrant colors of fall fade and Michigan braces for its long, cold winter, it's time for gardeners to shift focus from growth to protection. Winterizing your shrubs and plants is essential to ensure they survive the freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and fluctuating conditions typical of the Great Lakes region. Here’s how to prepare your landscape for winter:

1. Know Your Zone

Michigan spans USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 6. Understanding your zone helps determine which plants need extra protection. Tender perennials and young shrubs are especially vulnerable in colder zones.

2. Water Thoroughly Before the Ground Freezes

Give your plants a deep watering in late fall. Moist soil retains heat better than dry soil, helping to protect roots. Avoid watering once the ground is frozen.

3. Mulch Generously

Apply 2–4 inches of mulch around the base of shrubs and perennials. Use organic materials like shredded leaves, straw, or bark. Mulch insulates the soil, regulates temperature, and prevents frost heaving.

4. Prune Selectively

Avoid heavy pruning in fall, as it can stimulate new growth that’s vulnerable to frost. Instead, remove dead or diseased branches to prevent winter damage and disease spread.

5. Wrap Vulnerable Shrubs

Use burlap or shrub wraps to protect evergreens and tender shrubs from windburn and salt damage, especially those near roads or driveways. Create a frame around the plant and wrap loosely to allow airflow.

6. Protect Against Animal Damage

Michigan winters bring hungry deer, rabbits, and voles. Use fencing, repellents, or tree guards to prevent gnawing and browsing, especially on young trees and shrubs.

7. Bring Potted Plants Indoors

If you have container plants that aren’t hardy to your zone, bring them inside or store them in a sheltered garage or basement. Containers freeze faster than ground soil, putting roots at risk.

8. Avoid Fertilizing Late in the Season

Fertilizing in fall can encourage new growth that won’t harden off before winter. Stop fertilizing by early September to allow plants to enter dormancy naturally.

9. Consider Anti-Desiccant Sprays

For broadleaf evergreens like boxwood and rhododendron, anti-desiccant sprays can help reduce moisture loss during dry winter winds.

10. Plan for Snow Load

Brush off heavy snow from shrubs gently to prevent breakage. Avoid using salt near plantings, as it can damage roots and foliage.

Final Thoughts Winterizing isn’t just about survival—it’s about setting your garden up for a strong spring comeback. With a little preparation, your Michigan landscape can weather the cold and emerge vibrant and healthy when the thaw arrives.