
As autumn winds down and winter approaches, it’s crucial to prepare your landscape for the colder months ahead. At Cold Stream Farm, we offer a wide selection of wildlife trees and shrubs suited for the Midwest and beyond. Whether you’re cultivating a vibrant native habitat or establishing a new landscape with bare root trees, taking the proper steps to winterize your garden helps protect your investment and ensures a strong, healthy start next spring.
Here’s how to get your garden ready when the time comes—using expert tips and some of our favorite cold-hardy plants.
Start with a Garden Clean-Up
Before the first frost settles in, take time to remove any dead or dying plants, fallen branches, or decaying mulch. These materials can harbor pests and diseases over winter.
Focus especially on young bare root trees and wholesale shrubs that were planted earlier in the year. Removing leaf litter and pruning out dead branches can reduce the risk of overwintering fungi or insects. Be sure to leave seed heads on plants like Elderberry or Winterberry, which provide essential food for birds throughout the winter season.
Apply Insulating Mulch
A critical step in winter prep is mulching your trees and shrubs. This protects root systems from dramatic temperature swings and keeps soil moisture consistent.
For wildlife shrubs like Red Osier Dogwood or American Hazelnut, spread 2–4 inches of organic mulch around the base of each plant. Keep mulch a few inches from the stem or trunk to avoid rot or pest damage.
Tip: Pine needles, shredded bark, or leaf mold are great winter mulches that insulate well and break down naturally into the soil.
Hydrate Before the Ground Freezes
Dry soil and freezing temperatures are a dangerous combination. If your area hasn’t had consistent rainfall in the weeks leading up to winter, water your bare root trees thoroughly one last time before the ground freezes.
This is especially important for newer plantings from Cold Stream Farm nursery, as they’re still developing root systems. A deep watering ensures the roots are hydrated and resilient enough to endure winter dormancy.
Protect Young Trees from Frost and Critters
Winter can be tough on saplings. Trees with thin or smooth bark—like Maples, Birches, and Fruit Trees—can suffer from sunscald and frost cracks.
Wrap young tree trunks with breathable fabric, plastic tree guards, or spiral wraps to minimize damage. This not only shields them from fluctuating temperatures but also deters deer and rodents from chewing on the bark when food is scarce.
Let Wildlife Shrubs Do Their Job
One of the benefits of planting wildlife trees and shrubs is the value they bring during winter. Shrubs like Nannyberry, Buttonbush, and Ninebark serve as important shelter and food sources for local birds and small mammals.
Resist the urge to prune these shrubs in late fall. Leaving the structure intact gives wildlife critical winter support and enhances the natural look of your landscape. Prune in late winter or early spring instead, when plants are still dormant.
Don’t Prune Too Much
While it’s fine to remove dead or damaged branches, avoid doing any major shaping or trimming before winter. Cutting back too much stimulates new growth—something you don’t want right before freezing weather sets in.
Wait until early spring to do more aggressive pruning on your wholesale shrubs or bare root trees. That way, you’ll avoid unnecessary stress on the plant and reduce the risk of cold injury.
Use Winter to Plan for Spring
Winter is the perfect time to dream and prepare. As your current garden rests, start thinking about how you’d like to expand or enhance it when warmer weather returns.
At Cold Stream Farm, we carry a wide variety of bare root trees and wildlife shrubs for sale at wholesale prices. Whether you’re looking to establish a privacy hedge, support local pollinators, or create habitat corridors for native species, we have the hardy stock you need.
With no minimum order and discounts for larger quantities, our Michigan-based nursery is your go-to resource for planting success.
Important to know before ordering:
- Our field inventory is based on estimates—some items may be unavailable at the time your order is packed.
- Unavailable items will be refunded in full.
- Once harvesting begins, shipping may take at least three weeks from order confirmation, with priority given to earlier orders.
- We only ship to the lower 48 contiguous U.S. states.
Please review our shipping information before ordering and submit all orders through our online system.
Final Thoughts
Winterizing your garden isn’t just about survival—it’s about setting the stage for healthy, beautiful growth next season. With a little care now, your bare root trees and wildlife shrubs will thrive for years to come.
Trust Cold Stream Farm nursery to supply you with rugged, reliable plant stock suited for harsh winters and spectacular spring rebounds. Browse our online catalog and place your order today—because next season’s success starts now. Contact us today at (231) 464-5809 today or visit us online for more information!