14 Tips for Preparing the Yard for Winter

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Preparing for winter is more than unpacking the winter clothes boxes and cleaning your gutter. Your yard, too, should be on the list of things that need winter preparation. If you neglect this seasonal chore, spring will find you with frost-bitten plants, ruined yard furniture, and a big headache.

Tackling these tasks now means less work (and fewer surprises) once the snow melts. The goal is for your yard to not only survive the colder months but also thrive when spring returns.

Here are some tips to keep your yard in top shape as winter looms.

1. Rake Up Those Leaves

Fall leaves look beautiful, but letting them blanket your lawn does it no favors. They can smother the grass, leading to patchy or dead spots come spring.

Rake them up and compost them for a natural fertilizer, or use them as mulch for flower beds. Don’t wait until all the leaves fall. Rake regularly to avoid a soggy, heavy mess when snow or rain comes.

2. Aerate the Lawn

Before the ground gets too cold, give your lawn a breather by aerating it. Aeration allows water, nutrients, and oxygen to reach the roots more effectively, helping your grass survive the cold months.

You can rent an aerator from a home improvement store or hire someone to do it for you. Poke tiny holes in your lawn and set the stage for a lusher, more vibrant lawn next spring.

3. Fertilize the Grass

If there ever was a perfect time to give your grass a nutrient boost before winter sets in, it’s late fall. Choose a slow-release fertilizer that will feed your lawn throughout the winter.

This will help the roots stay strong and healthy during the cold season, making for a quicker green-up in the spring.

4. Mow One Last Time

Don’t stash that mower in the garage just yet; give your lawn one last trim before the first frost hits. Cutting your grass a little shorter (but not too short) will prevent matting under the snow, which can lead to fungus or mold issues.

Aim for about 2-3 inches in height. It’s short enough to avoid those issues but long enough to protect the roots from frostbite. A neat trim will also make your yard look tidy, even when it’s blanketed in snow.

5. Trim Dead Branches

See those dead or dying branches you’ve been ignoring? Time to get rid of them before they become a hazard. Winter storms can easily snap weak branches, potentially damaging your home or garden.

By pruning now, you’re also encouraging healthy growth for spring. It’ll give your trees and shrubs a fresh start for the new year, and the storms will have nothing on them.

6. Mulch Flower Beds

Remember the leaves you raked? You can shred them and spread them as a layer of mulch over your flower beds to protect roots from freezing temperatures. Mulch acts as a blanket, insulating the soil and stabilizing moisture levels.

It’s especially important if you have perennials that need extra help making it through the winter. Come spring, the leaves will break down and add nutrients to the soil.

7. Drain and Store Garden Hoses

If you were attentive in your physics class, you would remember your teacher saying water expands when it freezes. If you leave your garden hoses full of water, they could burst. Disconnect, drain, and store them inside to avoid any mid-winter hose surprises.

If you’re feeling extra cautious, turn off the water supply to outdoor spigots and cover them with insulated covers to prevent freezing.

8. Wrap Up Delicate Plants

If you have any sensitive shrubs or trees that aren’t fond of the cold (like banana or tree ferns), wrap them in burlap or plant covers for extra protection. This will shield them from harsh winds and heavy snow, allowing them to hibernate without harm.

Make sure the wraps are breathable—trapping moisture inside can do more harm than good. Come spring, you can unwrap and enjoy the fruits of your labor when your plants come back to life.

9. Protect Outdoor Furniture

Unless you’re cool with replacing your patio furniture every few years, take the time to store it or cover it properly before winter. If you have a shed or garage, move your furniture there. If not, invest in sturdy waterproof covers.

Cleaning your furniture before covering or storing it will also help prolong its life. When spring rolls around, you won’t be scrubbing away a winter’s worth of grime before the first BBQ.

10. Bring Potted Plants Inside

If you’ve got any potted plants that can’t handle the cold, bring them indoors before the first frost. Place them near windows for natural light, or invest in grow lights if necessary.

Before bringing them inside, check for pests to avoid any unwelcome guests making a home in your living room. Your plants will appreciate the warmth, and you’ll enjoy a little greenery all winter long.

11. Add Some Winter Interest

Your yard doesn’t have to look like a barren wasteland once winter hits. Plant evergreens, holly bushes, or ornamental grasses to add some winter interest to your landscaping setup.

These plants can withstand the cold and will keep your yard looking lively. Winter berries, in particular, add a pop of color against the snow, making your yard look more vibrant, even during the dreariest months.

12. Prep for Snow Removal

If you don’t want to end up digging out your car with a broken shovel, it’s a good idea to check that your snow removal gear is in tip-top shape before the first flake falls. Check your snowblower, stock up on salt, and have a sturdy shovel ready to go.

Having your snow removal gear prepped in advance means less scrambling and more enjoying those winter wonderland moments.

13. Deal With Perennial Weeds

Before winter sets in, tackling any persistent perennial weeds in your yard is crucial. Weeds like dandelions and thistles can survive the cold months and return with new energy in the spring.

Start by manually pulling out the weeds and removing the roots to prevent regrowth. If they prove particularly stubborn, consider using a targeted herbicide suitable for fall application.

14. Overseed Your Lawn

Consider overseeding before winter to give your lawn a head start on the next growing season. This means spreading grass seed over your lawn to fill in bare spots and thicken the turf.

The cooler temperatures and extra moisture in the fall make it a great time for seed germination. Be sure to choose a grass seed mix that suits your climate and your existing lawn variety.

Source

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