Although Albuquerque sees minimal snow and moisture during the winter season, our area is prone to cold, drying winds. Temperatures with the wind chill factor regularly drop near or below freezing. The native plants in our area generally survive this cold period by entering a state of dormancy or semi-dormancy, but a little winter preparation can minimize the chances of cold damage so your yard looks it's best first thing come spring.

Clean up the Landscape

Leaf litter and dead plant materials from summer provide nesting materials for rodents and disease organisms in winter. The rodents may chew and feed on your dormant plants, while the disease attack the plants in spring when they put on tender new growth. Remove fallen leaves and debris from our beds to minimize these problems.

Cold Protection

Most plants native to our high-desert area don't require special winter care. Placing an 1 or 2 inches of mulch around the base of some of the more tender plants, such as a newly planted yucca, provides insulation during the coldest periods in winter. Avoid overly-thick mulch layers, as the mulch my attract rodents.

Prevent Cold Desiccation

The cold winds of winter suck moisture out of evergreen plants. The junipers that dot many area yards are especially prone to cold and wind dessication. Affected plants develop a brown, burnt tips and in severe cases entire branches can die back. Anti-desiccant sprays, available from most nurseries, help prevent some of the water loss. Evergreens also require some irrigation during our dry winters. Water the plants only when the soil isn't frozen.