How to Winterize Your Landscape & Hardscapes

If you’re already dreaming of a backyard oasis in the springtime, then you need to plan your seasonal landscape maintenance now. And because midwestern weather can be fickle, you’re going to want to do this before old man winter shows up. 

We’ve put together some key steps to take to protect your outdoor spaces. These vital steps prevent damage and nurture healthy growth for springtime. Keep this winter landscape maintenance checklist handy and you’ll be off to a great start. 

We’ll set you up for success in this post by covering …

✦ How to prepare your lawn and gardens for winter dormancy (Dormancy)

✦ How to protect plants, trees, and garden beds (Plants)

✦ Safeguarding hardscapes and other outdoor features (Hardscapes)

✦ Commonly overlooked tasks needed for optimal winterization (Tasks)

A Winter Landscape Maintenance Checklist Helps Protect Your Yard All Season

Lawn Care in Winter — Preparing Grass for Dormancy

✦ Lower your final mowing height. Your last mow height should be around 2 - 2.5” high. Cutting your lawn one inch lower than you would mow during the growing season serves two purposes. It’ll be less enticing for pests to make your lawn their home and also protect new growth. 

✦ Debris and leaf removal. This will help prevent potential mold and diseases and keep your lawn from being suffocated, allowing healthy, new growth to flourish in the spring. 

✦ Limit foot traffic. Dormant, frozen, or frosty lawns equal a fragile lawn. Walking on it snaps brittle leaf blades and can compact soil leading to damaged roots.

✦ Optional fertilization before the first freeze. Your lawn won’t utilize any fertilizer while it's in a dormant state, but when spring temps begin to rise, the roots will tap into the waiting nutrients.

Protecting Plants, Trees, and Garden Beds

✦ Mulch for insulation. For added protection, apply a 2” layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and other plants. This will minimize soil erosion, preserve water, and maintain an even ground temperature around the root systems. 

✦ Wait to prune. Pruning is an integral part of landscaping in winter. Pruning late in winter and before spring growth begins will help wounds heal quicker. This causes less stress and shock to your trees, shrubs, and plants and stimulates a strong burst of healthy stems and leaves. 

✦ Wrap vulnerable plants. Commercial wrapping on young trees and plants will protect them from hungry deer, rabbits, and other animals that might try want feed on them.

✦ Frost protection. In the case of a frost warning, drape a breathable cloth over your plants before that frost hits. Ensure the cloth reaches the ground and is secured at the edges.

Winterizing Hardscapes and Outdoor Features

✦ Clean off patios and walkways. Clearing away any leaf buildup, dirt and debris keeps mold from growing in crevices. It’s also a good time to do a seasonal treatment to your wooden fixtures or furniture.

✦ Seal surfaces if needed. Generally every 2 - 3 years, it’s wise to reseal any decorative concrete, pavers, or walking surfaces to keep moisture out. 

✦ Winterize irrigation systems. Draining your irrigation system is critical to prevent water from freezing and expanding in your system, which could cause pipes or valves to burst or crack. 

✦ Structures and outdoor fixtures. Be sure to wash these down and apply seal when needed every few years to ward off mold. This will also strengthen the structures to help them to withstand gusty winter storms. 

What Are Commonly Overlooked Items in Winter Yard Prep?

Out of sight, out of mind. Many items are often overlooked when preparing for winter. Commonly forgotten items include:

• Cleaning and covering play equipment such as swingsets and slides
• Inspecting and storing sports equipment - goals, nets, balls, etc.
• Draining, unhooking, and stowing garden hoses and small tools
• Securing or storing decorative items like planters, statues
• Inspecting outdoor lighting, fans, switches, and wiring
• Covering or storing grills and outdoor furniture and cushions

Taking an extra day to tackle these steps will go a long way to prevent damage, extend the life of your outdoor equipment and fixtures, and ease the load during spring setup.

Prepare Now for a Healthier Landscape Later

Lawn maintenance in winter isn’t just about your grass coming back next year or your bushes surviving the cold. It's a full-property approach that lays the groundwork for a lush and thriving springtime landscape. Checking off each of these winter yard care steps will help prevent damage, support long-term landscape health, and deliver the showstopping results that will make your home feel like a staycation everyday.

Are you ready to create an outdoor oasis? Partner with Galvan’s Lawn & Landscape today! Our expert seasonal landscape maintenance will keep your entire outdoor space protected year-round. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.