Winter practices directly influence spring performance. From pruning timing to soil amendments and de-icing products, the choices crews make during cold months don’t stay in winter. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Winter Gardening Mistakes to Avoid for Healthier Plants in Spring, By Megan Hughes, Published on December 1, 2025, https://www.bhg.com/winter-gardening-mistakes-11851889).

FSI Landscape Supply shares, “We always remind contractors that winter work doesn’t end when the snow melts. The soil remembers. The plants remember. Even hardscape areas reflect how de-icing products were handled. Spring is really a report card for winter decisions. If you approach winter strategically, you walk into spring with fewer problems to fix.”

Mistake 1: Pruning Fruit Trees Too Early

Pruning fruit trees too early can expose cuts to extreme cold or trigger premature growth during temperature swings.

FSI Landscape Supply notes, “We see this happen when there’s a mid-winter thaw and crews want to get ahead of schedule. The issue is that trees may still face deep freezes afterward. Early cuts can stress the tree and impact fruit production later. Contractors should watch long-range patterns, not just a warm week. Late dormant-season pruning typically gives you stronger structure and better results.”

They add, “It’s about patience. Rushing pruning might feel productive, but it can mean corrective work in spring.”

Mistake 2: Pruning Flower Buds

Some flowering shrubs set buds months before winter. Pruning them during dormancy can eliminate the very blooms clients expect.

FSI Landscape Supply comments, “This is where plant knowledge separates good crews from great ones. Not all dormant shrubs are ready for pruning. If you cut back old wood bloomers in winter, you’re cutting off spring color. On commercial properties, especially, that early-season impact matters. Contractors should know which plants bloom on new growth and which don’t. That awareness protects both plant health and your professional reputation.”

Mistake 3: Spreading Fireplace Ash on the Garden

Wood ash can raise soil pH and add nutrients, but without testing, it can cause an imbalance.

FSI Landscape Supply mentions, “We understand the thinking. Ash feels like a natural soil amendment. But without a soil test, you’re guessing. Over-application can quickly shift pH, especially in ornamental beds. For contractors managing multiple sites, consistency matters. Soil chemistry shouldn’t be trial and error. The right landscape supplies start with understanding what the soil actually needs.”

They continue, “Correcting pH imbalance later is always more labor-intensive than preventing it.”

Mistake 4: Removing Ice from Trees

When ice builds up on branches, it’s tempting to knock it off. However, striking frozen limbs can cause cracking and long-term damage.

FSI Landscape Supply shares, “We always caution against trying to ‘fix’ ice in the moment. Frozen branches are brittle. Shaking or hitting them often causes splits that don’t show until leaf-out. Structural pruning done at the proper time does more to prevent storm damage than reactive measures during a freeze.”

They add, “Sometimes the best move is restraint. Letting ice melt naturally often avoids creating a bigger issue.”

Mistake 5: Over-Applying De-icing Salt

Overusing de-icing products can lead to salt buildup in soil, damaging roots and affecting spring growth, especially near walkways and parking lots.

FSI Landscape Supply highlights, “This is one of the most common spring complaints we hear about. Browning turf edges, stressed shrubs near sidewalks, and poor soil structure. It usually traces back to heavy-handed salt application. Contractors need calibrated spreaders and disciplined application rates. More product doesn’t mean safer surfaces.”

They continue, “Smart use of de-icing products protects plantings and reduces the need for soil remediation later. When salts accumulate, you’re not just dealing with cosmetic damage. You’re dealing with root stress that can impact an entire season.”

Mistake 6: Neglecting to Water New Plants

Winter watering is often overlooked, especially during dry periods without snow cover.

FSI Landscape Supply notes, “New installations don’t stop needing water just because it’s cold. Evergreen material and fresh root balls are especially vulnerable to winter desiccation. If the ground isn’t deeply frozen, periodic watering during dry spells can make a major difference in spring vigor.”

They add, “Contractors who check soil moisture instead of assuming conditions are fine usually see stronger plant establishment. The landscape supplies used during installation, including proper soil blends, also influence how well moisture is retained through winter.”

Mistake 7: Not Checking Stored Tubers and Bulbs

Bulbs and tubers stored for spring planting can rot or dry out if ignored.

FSI Landscape Supply shares, “Storage oversight is easy to forget during snow season. But a quick inspection mid-winter can prevent wasted inventory. Mold, excess moisture, or extreme dryness all affect viability. Professional crews benefit from scheduled material checks instead of discovering issues the week planting begins.”

They continue, “It’s part of running a tight operation. Good material management means fewer surprises when the spring calendar fills up.”

As winter transitions into spring, small decisions become visible outcomes. Pruning timing, soil amendments, moisture management, and careful use of de-icing products all play a role in plant health.

FSI Landscape Supply concludes, “Spring preparation isn’t just about new installs. It’s about evaluating how winter practices set the stage. Contractors who treat winter as an active management season, not downtime, walk into spring with healthier plants, fewer replacements, and smoother operations overall. Every season builds on the last, and attention to detail makes that transition stronger.”