How to Prep Your Backyard for Winter

Tips to Get Your Yard Healthy

One of the best ways to keep your property looking lush in spring is to make sure it’s protected over the cold winter months. Late fall is the ideal time to start prepping your lawn, trees, and plants.

The following tips will help you keep your landscape healthy:

Boost Your Ecosystem

While you should remove weeds and diseased plants, consider leaving yard debris and dead plant matter on the ground. Dead plant material has nutrients that help support your yard and provide protection from soil runoff. It also helps feed birds and pollinators, which enhances the eco-diversity of your backyard. 

Cut Back Perennials

Flowers that come back year after year need to be trimmed before the winter season. These help them conserve energy and protect their root system. Only certain perennials should be cut, though. Evergreens, ornamental grasses, and a few other plants can be left alone. 

Cover Vulnerable Plants

If you need to protect less hardy plants, you can bring them inside or cover them with burlap. Newly planted trees and shrubs should also be covered. Frost cloths are also available for purchase at a garden store. Annuals are meant to die each year, so you don’t need to cover them.

Mulch Plants

Mulching adds another layer of protection for trees and plants. Mulching in the fall keeps weeds from sprouting and retains moisture in the roots. Insulating the plants helps them bloom stronger and brighter as soon as spring arrives.

Disconnect Your Garden Hose

Make sure you drain and disconnect all the hoses around your house. If any water inside freezes, it can result in burst or ruined hose lines. Store the empty hoses in a safe, dry place. Sunlight can degrade hoses, resulting in minor holes and tears.