As the air turns crisp and the leaves fall, everyone’s first thought is usually the same: time to blow out the sprinklers. Sure, it’s crucial, but if that’s all you’re doing to prep your landscape for winter, you’re missing out on many opportunities to ensure your yard doesn’t just survive the winter—it thrives once spring arrives.
At Wall & Co., we’ve always believed in going the extra mile, ensuring every yard gets the attention it deserves before the cold sets in. This is about more than just keeping things tidy; it’s about ensuring your plants, lawn, and hardscaping make it through winter in prime condition, ready to bounce back when the snow melts.
So, let’s examine the often-overlooked essentials that will give your landscape the best chance to thrive when winter’s chill turns into spring’s warmth.
Mulch Like a Pro – Insulation for Your Plants
Mulch isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s your landscape’s winter blanket. While many people think of mulching in spring as a way to beautify flower beds, doing it in the fall can be even more critical. A fresh layer of mulch insulates the soil, protecting roots from the freeze-thaw cycle that can cause severe damage to your plants. This insulation is a powerful tool in your landscaping arsenal, giving you the knowledge and control to protect your plants from winter’s harsh conditions.
Start by clearing debris from your garden beds. Then, apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and perennials. Be careful not to pile the mulch directly against the stems or trunks, which can lead to rot. The mulch will moderate soil temperatures and moisture, keeping your plants cozy through the harshest months.
Understanding the significance of mulch in winter is crucial. It acts as a barrier, regulating soil temperature and protecting root systems from sudden freezes and thaws.
When it comes to mulching, the choice of materials matters. Opt for organic mulches like wood chips, straw, or shredded leaves. These not only insulate but also break down over time, adding valuable nutrients to the soil.
When applying mulch, remember that thickness matters. A layer of about 2-3 inches evenly spread is ideal. Too thin, and it won’t provide enough insulation. Too thick, and it can suffocate your plants. The right thickness ensures proper insulation without suffocating the plants.
Late-Season Lawn Aeration – Give Your Grass a Fighting Chance
Aeration is often overlooked during fall, but it can be one of the most beneficial things you can do for your lawn before winter. Over the summer, foot traffic and regular lawn care compact the soil, making it harder for water and nutrients to penetrate. Aeration relieves this compaction and allows air, water, and nutrients to reach the root zone, giving your grass the strength it needs to endure the winter.
Using a core aerator to pull small plugs of soil out of the lawn creates space for these essential elements to flow freely. After aerating, follow up with fertilization to provide a final boost of nutrients supporting root growth before the ground freezes.
- Why fall aeration works: Fall aeration gives your lawn time to absorb water and nutrients before winter, encouraging more profound root growth and a more resilient lawn in the spring.
- The best timing is to perform aeration about 4-6 weeks before the first expected frost to give your lawn enough time to recover and strengthen.
- Post-aeration care: After aerating, consider overseeding and applying a slow-release fertilizer to set your lawn up for success in the spring.
Protecting Trees and Shrubs from Winter Damage
Your trees and shrubs may be challenging, but even they need a little TLC to get through winter unscathed. Winter sun, wind, and freezing temperatures can cause cracking, splitting, and desiccation. Wrapping and mulching around the base of trees and shrubs can help protect them from these elements.
Start by trimming any dead or damaged branches—these are the ones most likely to snap under the weight of snow or ice. Then, for sensitive species, such as young trees or those prone to cracking, wrap the trunks in burlap or tree wrap. This prevents the bark from splitting due to sudden temperature changes.
- Why wrapping is important: Trees, especially younger ones, are susceptible to bark splitting, which can happen when the sun warms the bark during the day and then quickly drops the temperature at night.
- Pruning for protection: Fall is the time to remove dead or damaged limbs, which can break off in ice storms or heavy snow.
- Mulching around trees: Spread a layer of mulch around the base of trees and shrubs to protect the roots from freezing. Just be sure to leave a gap around the trunk to prevent rot.
Prepping Perennials for a Strong Spring
Perennials may look like they’re taking the winter off, but beneath the surface, they’re preparing for a robust spring. The care you give them now will set the stage for lush, vibrant growth when the warm weather returns.
Some perennials, like peonies and daylilies, must be cut back in the fall. Others, such as ornamental grasses, can be left standing to add some visual interest through the winter months. For those that need cutting back, trim the stems down to just a couple of inches above the soil.
- Cutting back vs. leaving alone: Some perennials, like lavender or echinacea, benefit from being left alone through the winter. This provides structure in your garden and habitat for pollinators.
- Dividing perennials: Fall is a great time to divide and transplant certain perennials, like irises and hostas, giving them a better chance to establish strong roots before spring.
- Composting tip: Use any healthy clippings as compost to enrich your soil and ensure a nutrient boost for your plants come springtime.
Hardscape Winterization – Don’t Forget About Your Stone and Concrete
Your plants aren’t the only things that need protection. Hardscaping—patios, walkways, driveways—can take a beating in the winter from freeze-thaw cycles and heavy snowfalls. If you want your hardscaping to last for years, it’s essential to give it some attention before winter.
Clean your hardscape surfaces to remove dirt, algae, or stains. After cleaning, apply a sealant to protect against moisture infiltration. This step is crucial to prevent cracking and damage caused by freezing and thawing.
- Cleaning and sealing: A pressure wash with a high-quality sealant will protect your hardscaping from the elements and prevent water from seeping into cracks.
- De-icing tips: Be cautious with de-icing chemicals, as some can damage concrete and stone. Opt for gentler products like calcium magnesium acetate, less harmful to your hardscaping.
- Preventing ice build-up: Regular snow removal and strategic use of sand or salt will help reduce the risk of ice damage to your hardscape features.
Prepping Outdoor Equipment for Winter Storage
The final, but no less important, step in winterizing your landscape is caring for the tools and equipment that help you maintain it. Lawnmowers, trimmers, and other equipment can only be prepared for winter storage, which can lead to costly repairs or replacements come spring.
Before storing your equipment:
- Clean it thoroughly to remove any grass, dirt, or debris.
- Drain fuel from gas-powered equipment to prevent it from damaging the engine over the winter.
- Remove the batteries and store them in a cool, dry place for battery-powered equipment.
Winterizing mowers and trimmers: Thoroughly clean the blades, remove fuel, and consider sharpening them so they’re ready to go when spring arrives.
Storing tools properly: Use covers or store tools in a dry space to prevent rust and deterioration.
Long-term benefits: Taking the time to prep your tools now will save you time and money when the growing season starts again.
Winter can be harsh, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster for your landscape. With a little extra effort now, your lawn, trees, and plants will make it through the winter and thrive when the snow melts. At Wall & Co., we believe in providing that extra level of care that goes beyond the basics.
From mulching to aerating, wrapping trees, and winterizing your equipment, we’ve got the knowledge and expertise to ensure your landscape is in top shape, even when it’s blanketed in snow. So, don’t stop at the sprinkler blowout—get ahead of winter with Wall & Co., and set your yard up for success. Ready to take the next step? We’re just a call away.
Shrubhub has a great article on Winter Landsape tips as well, check it out here.