As the leaves change color and the air gets a little crisper, it’s time to prepare your yard for winter. Just like we prepare for winter with cozy sweaters and warm drinks, our yards need some TLC before the cold weather arrives. Taking a few steps now can ensure your lawn and garden remain healthy and beautiful when spring rolls around. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting, following these landscaping tips will help protect your plants, trees, and lawn from the harsh winter months.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything from lawn care before winter to winterizing your garden so you can keep your outdoor space in top shape.

1. Clear Out Debris and Leaves

One of the very basic steps in winter landscaping preparation is cleaning up your yard. Fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris can create damp conditions that promote mold growth, pests, and diseases that can harm your lawn and plants.

Rake and dispose of leaves properly, or use them as mulch for your garden beds. If you have a lot of leaves, consider running them through a leaf shredder to create nutrient-rich compost.

Clearing debris also helps your grass breathe and absorb sunlight, vital for its health as winter approaches.

2. Prune Trees and Shrubs

Pruning your trees and shrubs is key to preparing your yard for winter. Trimming dead or diseased branches will prevent breakage from snow and ice, which can damage plants and create a safety hazard.

Prune strategically and remove any branches crossing, damaged, or too close to structures like your home or power lines. This will allow trees and shrubs to grow stronger and healthier in the spring.

Be careful not to over-prune, though! Some plants prefer to be pruned in late winter or early spring, so research the specific needs of your trees and shrubs before you start cutting.

3. Aerate and Fertilize Your Lawn

Lawn care before winter is essential for keeping your grass healthy through the colder months. One of the most effective ways to do this is by aerating your lawn. Aeration creates small holes in the soil, allowing water, oxygen, and nutrients to reach the grass’s roots more easily.

Once you’ve aerated your lawn, applying a winter fertilizer is a good time. Fertilizing before winter provides essential nutrients that help strengthen grassroots, making your lawn more resilient to freezing temperatures.

Ensure you use a fertilizer designed for winter use, as these formulas are high in potassium, which helps plants survive stress from cold weather.

4. Mulch Your Garden Beds

Winterizing your garden often means adding a layer of mulch to your garden beds. Mulch insulates the soil and regulates temperature and moisture levels. It also prevents soil erosion and keeps weeds from growing.

Spread a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your perennials, trees, and shrubs. Be careful not to pile the mulch too high around the base of plants, as this can trap moisture and cause rot.

Organic mulches, like wood chips, straw, or shredded leaves, are excellent choices because they break down over time, enriching the soil with nutrients.

5. Protect Delicate Plants

Some plants need a little extra protection to survive the winter. For tender perennials or newly planted shrubs, consider wrapping them in burlap or using garden fleece to shield them from cold winds and frost.

You can also cover sensitive plants with cloches or row covers for added warmth. If you’re winterizing your garden with potted plants, bring them indoors or into a sheltered area like a garage or greenhouse to prevent frost damage.

Be sure to water plants well before the ground freezes, as hydrated plants can better withstand cold conditions.

6. Winterize Your Irrigation System

If you have an irrigation system, it’s essential to winterize it before freezing temperatures hit. Water left in the pipes can expand when it freezes, leading to cracked pipes and costly repairs.

To prepare your yard for winter, drain all water from the irrigation system and shut off the water supply. If you’re uncomfortable doing this yourself, consider hiring a professional to blow out the lines with compressed air to remove all water.

Don’t forget to disconnect and store garden hoses to prevent them from freezing and cracking.

7. Plant Fall Bulbs for Spring

Believe it or not, fall is the perfect time to plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. Planting bulbs in the fall allows them to establish roots before the ground freezes, and they’ll reward you with beautiful blooms when spring arrives.

Choose a sunny spot in your garden and plant bulbs at the recommended depth, usually two to three times their height. Add a mulch layer to protect the bulbs over the winter, and water them well after planting.

This is an easy and rewarding way to enjoy a burst of color in your garden once the snow melts.

8. Mow Your Lawn One Last Time

Before winter sets in, give your lawn one final mow. Set your mower blade to a higher setting, leaving your grass about 2-2.5 inches tall. This height helps protect the grass from snow mold and allows it to absorb sunlight throughout the winter.

Cutting your grass too short can leave it vulnerable to freezing, while leaving it too long can invite pests and diseases. A moderate height strikes the perfect balance for lawn care before winter.

9. Clean and Store Garden Tools

Your garden tools work hard all year long, so now’s the time to clean them up and store them properly for the winter. Remove any dirt or debris from shovels, rakes, pruners, and other tools, and sharpen any necessary blades.

Store your tools in a dry, sheltered place to prevent rust. If you don’t have a garden shed, hang them in a garage or basement, where they’ll stay safe from the elements.

By taking care of your tools now, you’ll be ready to jump into action when spring arrives.

10. Consider Adding Winter Interest

Who says your yard can’t look beautiful in the winter? Landscaping preparation for winter can include adding elements that provide visual interest during the colder months. Consider planting evergreen shrubs, which retain their foliage all year long, or installing features like decorative boulders or sculptures that add texture to your landscape.

You can also hang bird feeders to attract wildlife, creating a lively, dynamic scene even in the dead of winter.

Bottom Line

Following these landscaping tips before winter hits will set your yard up for success come spring. Whether it’s preparing your yard for winter by mulching your garden beds, aerating your lawn, or pruning your trees, these simple steps can make a big difference.

At Crystal Landscape Supplies, we provide high-quality landscaping materials to help you get your yard in tip-top shape. From mulch and compost to topsoil and decorative stone, we have everything you need to winterize your yard. Visit the website or stop by one of our locations today to get started on your winter landscaping preparations!