How to Prepare Your Landscaping for Winter

• Pruning and Trimming - Trim your trees, shrubs, and perennials. Remove dead or diseased branches, which can become hazardous when covered in snow or ice. Pruning also promotes healthy growth in the spring. Be mindful of the specific requirements of each plant, as some may benefit from late fall pruning, while others are best pruned in early spring.
  
  
• Lawn Care - Proper lawn care ensures a lush, green lawn when winter melts away. In late fall, mow your lawn slightly shorter than usual to prevent snow mold and other fungal issues. Aerating the lawn improves soil compaction and allows for better water absorption. Add winter fertilizer to provide essential nutrients for the grass to withstand winter stress.
  
  
• Leaf Removal - Leaves accumulating on your lawn can smother the grass, inviting pests and diseases. Regular leaf removal is essential throughout the fall season. Consider using fallen leaves for composting, mulching, or creating leaf piles to benefit wildlife and insects.
  
  
• Irrigation System Maintenance - Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on irrigation systems. Before the first frost, drain and winterize your system to prevent pipes from bursting. This step is critical to avoid costly repairs in the spring.
  
  

Other Steps to Prepare Your Landscape for The Winter Months

• Mulching - A layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and garden beds helps insulate plant roots and regulate soil temperature. Apply a thick layer of mulch (about 2-4 inches) to keep the soil consistently cool, preventing freeze-thaw cycles that can damage plant roots.
  
  
• Protect Delicate Plants - Some plants are more susceptible to cold temperatures than others. Bring delicate perennials, potted plants, and tropical indoors, or place them in a sheltered location, such as a garage or shed, to protect them from freezing temperatures.
  
  
• Winterize Hardscaping - Winter can be harsh on hardscaping elements like patios, walkways, and retaining walls. Inspect these structures for cracks or damage and make necessary repairs before winter. Also, consider applying a sealant to protect against moisture and freezing.
  
  
• Garden Clean-Up - Clean your garden beds by removing spent annuals and any remaining debris. Cut back and divide perennials if necessary and tidy up the overall appearance of your garden. This improves aesthetics and prevents the spread of diseases and pests.
  
  
• Protect Young Trees - Young trees are vulnerable to winter weather, including sunscald and frost cracking. To protect them, wrap the trunks with tree guards or burlap and add mulch around the base to regulate temperature.
  
  

Consult Landscape Professionals