How to PreparE Your Yard For Winter

Conquer the COLD

Preparing your landscaping for the winter months protects your plants and gives you a great canvas to work with next spring. Taking a few simple steps in the winter makes a big difference in both the quality and appearance of your property.

​Here are some simple ways to prepare for the winter months:

​1. Don’t over prune

It can be tempting to get out the shears and prune bushes, bushes, and small trees before winter. However, before you go grabbing your garden supplies, keep in mind that pruning encourages new growth. Just before winter begins is not the right time to prune. Plants are about to go dormant for the winter months and pruning can leave them weakened and vulnerable to the effects of cold temperatures. Leave old growth as it is to protect the plant from frost. You can prune plants and have them looking their best in early spring.

2. ​Add hardy plants

​Plants like trees and shrubs can be put in the ground as late as December. Keep in mind that they’re dormant during the winter, so they won’t start growing and thriving right away. However, they’ll have time to establish their root system and will start to grow as soon as spring arrives. Wrap the plants to protect them from the harsh weather that may lie ahead.

3. Aerate cool-season grasses

Fall is the perfect time to aerate cool-season grasses, ideally a day after it has rained. Aerating the lawn helps to reduce compaction and allows fertilizer to get down into the roots. You can do this on your own with a simple spike aerator, or you can contact a lawn care service near me to have it done quickly, effectively, and professionally.

4. Over-seed the lawn

​To achieve a lush, green lawn in the spring, you’ll want to over-seed ahead of time. The best time to seed is about 6 weeks before the first frost. This helps the root system to establish before the ground gets too cold. While you’ll likely cut back on watering the entire lawn, don’t neglect the freshly seeded areas. Give them extra water to help them get established.

5. Clean Water Features

If you have a fountain or pond, clear out any debris that may have landed like leaves, twigs, and branches. For water features with fish, it’s time to slow down on feeding them because they require little food over the winter. Continuing to feed them over the winter can lead to unhealthy algae growth. If you don’t have fish, consider covering your pond or fountain to protect it from the elements.

Plans change for next year

If you’ve been thinking about making changes to your landscaping, the time to plan is now. Do you have backyard ideas that you’re ready to turn into a reality? A local lawn care business can help you make it happen so that your backyard is ready for you to enjoy once the weather warms up. Consider installing features like a water fountain, a patio or walkway, or decorative fencing. Evaluate your backyard to see where changes can be made that will allow you to make better use of the space in the spring, summer, and fall. Upgrade your yard and create an outdoor enjoy that you can use and enjoy.

By using these easy landscaping tips, you’ll be able to prepare your property for the winter months. From keeping your grass looking lush to protecting plants to adding attractive features and creating a livable outdoor space, there’s a lot you can do before it gets too cold. Take advantage of this season to make your front and backyards the best that they can be.