How to Prepare Your Yard for Winter: A 2025-2026 Seasonal Guide

Tips to Protect Against Cold and Frost in Delaware / Southeastern Pennsylvania.

As the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to drop here in the Wilmington area, your yard enters a season of transition. While Old Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a “milder and drier” winter season for the area, bouts of snow, ice, winds, and winter rains are still expected to rudely greet the area. All those harsh elements can and will stress lawns, trees, and garden beds. Preparation is the best prescription to protect your landscape and set it up for prosperous growth in the spring.

Think of fall as your chance to strengthen the foundation of your yard before the cold sets in. From soil care to pruning and all the way through decluttering, here are the key steps every homeowner should take to safeguard their outdoor spaces this winter.

Strengthen the Soil

Winter prep starts here: To keep your yard thriving, aerating its compacted soil allows oxygen, water, and nutrients to reach roots more effectively. You can use spiking tools, hire a professional lawn service, or try liquid aeration for convenience.

Once aerated, add a layer of nutrients. A fall fertilizer or compost blend can feed your grass and plants during dormancy. Don’t forget to make use of nature’s own mulch — shredded leaves create an insulating layer that protects roots and helps the soil retain moisture.

Protect Plants from Harsh Weather

Atlantic cold winds and heavy snow can take a toll on shrubs, trees, and delicate plantings. Protect them with simple covers. Burlap is a classic choice, but fleece, frost cloth, or even extra mulch provide strong defense against freeze damage.

Young trees and newly planted shrubs especially benefit from added support. Wrapping them properly reduces the chance of branches snapping under the weight of snow and shields them from icy gusts.

Prune with Care

Winter storms can be unforgiving to weak or damaged branches. By pruning in the fall, you reduce the risk of breakage while helping plants conserve energy. Remove dead or broken limbs, cut away unhealthy stems, and tidy up spent flowers.

A good rule of a green thumb: not all brown leaves mean the tree is dead. Bend a stem — if it’s flexible and shows a hint of green inside, the plant is still healthy and should bounce back in spring.

Declutter Outdoor Spaces

Take a fresh look at your yard before winter sets in. Outdoor furniture, old playsets, or unused décor can become hazards in icy conditions and create extra cleanup work in spring.

Ask yourself: Do you really need everything sitting outside? Items you no longer use can often be donated to organizations like the Salvation Army or GreenDrop, both of which offer convenient pickup services. Streamlining now makes your yard safer and more enjoyable when warm weather returns.

Get Professional Insight

While DIY prep covers the basics, an expert eye can uncover issues you might miss. Booking a consultation in mid-to-late fall gives you expert advice on areas needing attention — from drainage problems to opportunities for upgrades.

The bonus: landscapers’ schedules tend to fill quickly in spring. By reaching out now, you’ll get a head start and more flexibility in planning projects for the coming year.

Need Help Getting Your Lawn Winter-Ready?

Your lawn and garden deserve a little extra care before the Delaware winter arrives. With the right steps, you’ll enjoy peace of mind now and a thriving landscape when spring returns.

Contact us to discuss your winter prep needs or explore ideas for upgrading your outdoor spaces this coming year.